Into every life a little rain must fall. But two feet-plus in a 24-hour period? That’s what folks on the Big Island endured earlier this week when 26.2 inches (take out a ruler and see how deep that is) dumped
Into every life a little rain must fall. But two feet-plus in a 24-hour
period?
That’s what folks on the Big Island endured earlier this week when
26.2 inches (take out a ruler and see how deep that is) dumped all over them.
Streams and gullies overflowed, streets in downtown Hilo and roads in rural
areas turned into rivers, and homes were flooded, forcing dozens of families to
take shelter in evacuation centers.
On a brighter note (if that’s the
correct terminology when the subject is rain), recent downpours on Kaua’i have
done near-wonders for the island’s drought-stricken environment. Specifically,
fields and forests that have been fires waiting to happen are now much safer
from the risk of burning.
But the welcome moisture – and hopefully more to
come – doesn’t mean everyone can relax. Kaua’i Fire Department officials, who
can’t ever completely relax, remind that areas around Lihu’e and Koke’e are
still susceptible to flareups. Koke’e, in particular, has been so dry that
thousands of acres of wilderness were closed this summer to avoid the
possibility of recreational enthusiasts accidentally setting the terrain
ablaze.
So let it rain. Just not as hard as it did on the Big
Island.
