In brief
Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island, unleashing record rainfall and intense winds that caused flash floods, mudslides, and power outages affecting over 200,000 households. One person died in a car‑crash. Search‑and‑rescue teams have been mobilised while the National Hurricane Center reports the storm still threatens the chain with further rainfall. Authorities, the National Guard, and local government are coordinating recovery and have opened a few hospitals and airports after brief closures.
Hawaii’s Big Island was battered by Category‑1 Hurricane Lala, which brought up to 35 in of rain and winds of up to 65 mph. The storm inflicted flash floods and mudslides that uprooted homes in Naalehu and Waiohinu, and left more than 200,000 residents without power.
A single fatality was reported after a vehicle crashed in the floodwater. Search‑and‑rescue teams are on the scene, aided by 180 National Guard troops, while authorities monitor the continued danger as the storm’s eyewall passes within 30 miles of the island’s South Point.
The National Hurricane Center warns of additional rainfall—4 to 8 in for the Big Island and windward Maui, with totals up to 35 in. Hawaii County officials say there were reports of two homes swept away by the storms.
Power outages have hit 219,000 customers; three hospitals have lost electricity but are running on backup generators. The island’s main airports temporarily closed, with flights postponed. In Maui, some residents experienced water supply cuts.
Experts link the increased rainfall intensity to this year’s strong El Niño, which has raised sea‑surface temperatures and is expected to foster more powerful storms across the Pacific.
