Hurricane “Lala” Sweeps Across Hawaii, Causing Flooding and Landslides, Leaving 115,000 Households Without Power

Hawaii has been hit by extreme weather following the passage of Hurricane “Lala,” which has brought flooding, landslides and significant damage.

The hurricane passed about 48 kilometers south of the Big Island without making a direct hit. However, authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue.

The situation is particularly severe on the Big Island, where floodwaters have swept through at least two areas and carried away several homes. Search-and-rescue teams have begun looking for residents who may have been affected, but operations are being hampered by strong currents, debris and large rocks.

“Lala” strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday, with winds reaching up to 147 km/h. Some areas are forecast to receive as much as 89 centimeters of rain, increasing the risk of major flooding and landslides.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said one person was killed in a car accident linked to the severe weather conditions on the Big Island. Meanwhile, many roads have been damaged or rendered impassable by floodwaters, landslides and fallen trees.

Images released by the Hawaii Department of Transportation show roads covered by rushing floodwaters. Governor Green urged residents not to travel and to prepare for exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The storm has also disrupted air travel. Around 190 flights have been delayed, while approximately 40% of flights at the Big Island’s main airport, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, were canceled on Saturday. At Hilo International Airport, cancellations affected around 80% of flights.

The National Weather Service has issued its strongest warnings for the southeastern part of the Big Island, which lies closest to the hurricane’s center. According to authorities, rivers could quickly overflow their banks, while evacuations and numerous rescue operations may be required.

Around 115,000 households in Hawaii have been left without electricity. Power has also been cut at three hospitals, which have continued operating using backup generators.

The severe weather has also affected the island of Maui, where some residents have been left without water. In some areas, emergency crews have been forced to suspend operations because of the rainfall and fallen trees.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for all eight of Hawaii’s main islands. Authorities have also opened shelters for residents who need to leave their homes.

Although “Lala” is classified as a Category 1 hurricane, the lowest level on the 1-to-5 scale, authorities say the exceptional rainfall could cause severe flooding and landslides.