HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR111719WomanfoundsafeafterbeingsweptawayduringFlashFloodF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 17, 2019
KAUA`1 FIRE DEPARTMENT
KILIPAKI VAUGHAN, DEPUTY CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Woman found safe after being swept away during flash flood
WAINIHA — A 49-year-old woman is safe after being swept out to sea during the flash
flood early Sunday morning in Wainiha.
At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, firefighters and police were dispatched to
Wainiha Bay to conduct a search for a Wainiha woman who had reportedly been swept out to
sea.
Once on scene, responders learned that the woman and two other individuals were
attempting to evacuate their home by boat along the Wainiha River when the boat flipped over
in the rapid waters. The two other occupants of the boat, a man and child, were able to get to
safety, but the woman became distressed in the fast moving waters and was swept away.
Neighbors downstream heard the woman's cries for help and called first responders.
After a short search, responders followed the woman's cries and found she made her way to a
shoreline located below a cliff. Hanalei firefighters climbed down the cliff and assisted her out to
awaiting AMR medics.
The woman sustained non -life threatening injuries to her head. With assistance from
State Department of Transportation officials, Engine 1 was able to transport the injured woman
through the flooded and closed portion of Kuhio Highway in Hanalei. Fire personnel met AMR
medics on the Princeville side of the Hanalei Bridge, where they assessed her injuries and
provided additional support while transporting her to Wilcox Hospital for further treatment.
The island of Kauai was under a Flash Flood Warning from 10 p.m. Saturday to 12:30
p.m. Sunday. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon. A Flash Flood
Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Residents and visitors
should monitor the weather and be prepared to take action in the event that a Flash Flood
Warning is issued.
For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-
6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.