FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       March 19, 2006

CITY ACTIVATES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS SHELTER

            Oahu Civil Defense Agency volunteers have been deployed islandwide and the OCDA emergency operations center has been activated in response to today’s heavy rains and flash flood warning.

            Heavy rains have been reported islandwide, particularly in Ewa, East Honolulu and Windward Oahu. As of noon, radar indicates more heavy rains headed toward Oahu.

            The rains have forced the evacuation of one home on Pahia Road in Kaneohe. OCDA and  American Red Cross have opened emergency shelter at Kailua District Park and the old gymnasium at Brigham Young University in Laie.  

Runoff has caused several temporary road closures in Windward Oahu and the North Shore. Minor road flooding has been reported in Ewa. The public is asked to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Anyone who feels threatened by flooding is advised to call 911 immediately.

                                                            -30-

Contact:

            John Cummings III, OCDA, 523-4121

            Mark Matsunaga, 523-4121