Catastrophic flooding in Hawaii sparks grassroots relief

Catastrophic flooding in Hawaii sparks grassroots relief

Catastrophic flooding across Hawaii, driven by Kona low storm systems, has displaced residents, damaged homes and infrastructure, and caused an estimated $1 billion in damage, though no deaths have been reported.

OAHU, Hawaii - Hawaii is experiencing some of its worst flooding in more than 20 years, leaving thousands without power and sweeping several homes off their foundations, authorities said.

No deaths have been reported, but damage estimates have reached approximately $1 billion.

The flooding began with storms last week and intensified over the weekend as heavy rain hammered Oahu. The storms damaged homes, schools and a hospital.

Nate Sisler, owner of Haleiwa Distilling Company near Waialua, said his business has shifted its focus to disaster relief.

"Right now it's not about business, you know, it's about our community," Sisler said. "We turned the distillery into a coordination point for critical supplies like water, fuel, and food."

The rainfall is the result of back-to-back "Kona Low" storms. On average, about two Kona storms affect Hawaii each storm season.

Some evacuation orders are slowly beginning to lift, but flood watches remain in effect as the storm system moves toward the Big Island.