Second body found after dam bursts in Hawaii

After a break in a century-old earth dam released a thunderous torrent of water across the US Hawaiian island of Kauai, killing at least two people, crews began to monitor other dams feared to be unsafe.

As heavy rains continued to cause swelling, water at the Waita Reservoir rose past 20 feet, just inches short of spilling over.

“Everybody’s on edge,” said local resident Victoria Stamper.

Tuesday’s dam break released a cascade of water, flattening tall trees and sweeping away houses in the island’s lush and rural north shore as it carved a three-mile path of destruction to sea.

“From the air, the ground and even the photographs, the devastation is drastic,” Gov. Linda Lingle said during a helicopter tour.

At least two people were confirmed dead and as many as five others were missing.