Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. yesterday issued a disaster declaration following last weekend's damaging rains and flooding.

The declaration authorizes the mayor to spend county money "for public purposes during any state of emergency or disaster."

"The ongoing effects of this disaster have caused economic loss and hardships particularly to the farmers in Hanalei Valley," the declaration said.

The disaster declaration is effective through Friday, with the possibility of an extension.

Kaua'i, which received the brunt of last weekend's torrential rains, was hit with everything from flooding to landslides, evacuated homes to closed roads and bridges, and even a dead cow that washed up on Lydgate Beach.

Carvalho on Saturday authorized Parks and Recreations personnel to open the Kílauea Neighborhood Center to use as an emergency shelter due to flooding. Seventeen people in Hanalei Valley were evacuated, the Hanalei Bridge was shut down and water spilled over the banks of the Hanalei River.

The National Weather Service said the Hanalei River area saw 15-plus inches of rain in 12 hours Saturday.