Global insurance and reinsurance brokerage group Aon’s weekly catastrophe report cited Hawaii government officials as saying that the back-to-back Kona storms that brought extreme rainfall and subsequent flooding to much of Hawaii from March 10 to 24 will result in total economic and insured losses of at least $1 billion.
Aon’s report explains that the damage figures also include significant agricultural impacts, as a recent survey found more than $9.4 million in farmland damage, including more than $2.7 million on Oahu alone.
The broker emphasized that losses will continue to expand in the coming weeks and months as more damage assessments are carried out, indicating that insurance and financial losses may increase.
Oahu was severely affected, particularly in the northern portion of the island, the North Shore communities of Waialua and Haleiwa, where devastating flash floods and landslides damaged hundreds of homes, farmland and roads across the state.
To recap, two Kona storms, March 10-16 and March 19-24, brought heavy rainfall to the entire state of Hawaii. “Kona storms” are slow-moving low-pressure systems that typically form between late fall and early spring.
Heavy rains from the first Kona storm led to an increased risk of flash flooding during the second Kona storm from March 19 to 24.
Aon said the most extreme rainfall occurred on the night of March 19-20, especially in northern Oahu, where nearly a foot of rain was recorded in some locations, causing severe flash flooding and landslides.
Overall, the two-week rain event was Hawaii’s worst rainfall event since 2004, with the highest totals reported at the top of Kaala (Oahu) and Puu Kukui (Maui), at more than 52 inches (1.3 meters).
The incidents damaged nearby schools, hospitals and airports, and 230 people were rescued from flooding, while at least 5,500 people were issued evacuation orders. Officials also warned of a possible breach of the Wasiawa Dam, although water levels have stabilized in recent days.
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