The Hawaiian island of Kauai experienced nearly 50 inches of rain in 24 hours earlier this month, causing landslides, flooding and damage to homes, infrastructure and businesses. Scientists warn that this deluge was the first major storm in Hawaii linked to climate change, and that communities must recognise that they are “moving into a new climate”. The warmer atmosphere is holding more moisture, which builds up until it meets with cold dry air, creating what some meteorologists refer to as a “rain bomb”. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and county officials are still assessing the damage.