In some terribly tragic information from Maui, two vacationers died in flash floods. A 3rd is lacking and is presumed to have additionally died. What heartbreaking information!
KHON2 printed an exclusive interview with the spouse of one of many flash flood victims. Within the interview, she says that she didn’t know what a flash flood was or perceive the warnings for it. She says that there must be extra training for guests to grasp the hazards of flash floods.
The KHON2 phase says, “Most residents say it’s frequent data to keep away from mountain climbing when it’s raining or when there are storm clouds over the mountain.” Whereas that could be frequent data for locals, it might not be nicely understood by guests from places the place flash floods aren’t almost as frequent as they’re in Hawaii.
Per honolulu.gov, Hawaii averages 11 flash flood occasions per yr. They’re extra frequent between October and April, however are potential any time of yr.
We’ve witnessed how instantly a flash flood can occur
As guests ourselves, we didn’t actually perceive the hazards of flash flooding in Hawaii at first. From following the information in our almost 15 years of protecting Hawaii journey, we’ve realized how perilous they are often.
On a Maui hike to Waimoku Falls in 2011, we noticed firsthand what a flash flood seems like. And, it was scary! Close to the tip of the path, hikers should stroll by way of a stream to get to the waterfall view. We had no hassle passing by way of it on our option to see the waterfall. All of a sudden, as we stood admiring Waimoku Falls, the movement of the waterfall tripled in quantity. The identical stream that we needed to traverse, is similar stream that follows the waterfall. Together with another hikers, we stood by the swollen stream questioning if we might safely cross it. All of us lastly determined that it was satisfactory as there have been giant rocks above water that we might maintain onto as we crossed. It was dangerous however, prayerfully and fortunately, all of us made it safely by way of.
Earlier than we took that hike, we took all of the precautions to examine for flash flooding. We observed that there have been some mild clouds on the mountain. We requested a park ranger if it was secure to hike that day and we had been instructed it was secure. We don’t blame the park ranger as a result of they haven’t any manner of realizing how a lot rain could or could not fall.
Why is Hawaii vulnerable to flash floods?
The mountainous terrain of Hawaii is likely one of the causes. When rain falls, notably a heavy downpour, giant volumes of water movement downhill shortly. Right here’s how weather.gov describes this state of affairs:
“Steep, hilly, or mountainous terrain produces speedy runoff and fast stream response, for the reason that water will journey downhill at higher speeds into rivers and over land. Rocky terrain can exacerbate the event of flash floods and raging waters since rocks and clay soils don’t enable as a lot water to infiltrate the bottom. Steep, slim valleys generate quickly flowing waters that may shortly rise to appreciable depth. For example, a mountain creek that’s often solely 6 inches deep can swell to a 10-foot depth in lower than one hour.”
What does a flash flood in Hawaii appear to be?
Take a look at this YouTube footage exhibiting a waterfall that begins at regular movement, then instantly is overwhelmed by water.
Discover the water turns brown. That’s an indicator of flooding because the heavy movement has gathered grime.
Right here’s one other video exhibiting the sudden arrival of a flash flood that’s posted on the Haleakala Nationwide Park’s website.
How do you keep away from a flash flood whenever you go to Hawaii?
Listed below are some security options:
- Take note of the climate forecast. If heavy rain and/or a flash flood warning, watch or advisory are within the forecast keep away from driving, mountain climbing and swimming in areas with streams.
- Look to the sky above the place you intend to hike, whether it is darkish grey, that might be an indicator that flash flooding might happen.
- Don’t cross or drive by way of flooded streams or roads.
- See extra ideas here.
Along with harmful streams, flash flooding could cause, landslides, mudslides and dislodge rocks and boulders.
At all times keep away from brown water — each in streams and the ocean — throughout and after a flood as that water might be contaminated. Test native information for brown water advisories.
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Have been you already acquainted with the hazards of flash floods in Hawaii?
