May is Flooding Awareness Month in Hawaii

Flash flooding on the Island of Kauai in March, 2006. (Source: PDC)

During six weeks spanning from mid-February to early April 2006, the Hawaiian Islands endured a series of flood events and severe weather that is unprecedented in recent times. During this time a dam break on the Island of Kauai caused fatalities, and locations on both Kauai and Oahu set all-time rainfall records. In response, Governor Lingle issued an Emergency Flood Proclamation for all four of Hawaii's counties.

Because of these events, this year's annual observance of May as "Flooding Awareness Month" in Hawaii is particularly significant.

It is also important to note that flash flooding ranks as the number one weather-related killer in the United States according to the National Weather Service. At the international level, the United Nations Development Program reports that 196 million people in over 90 countries are exposed to catastrophic flooding each year.

For precautions you can take to protect life and property, please refer to information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.