Los Angeles, August 20: The aftermath of Hurricane ‘Lala’ continues to disrupt life on the southern coast of Hawaii. Days after the storm, residents are still grappling with the destruction. Many areas in Southern Kau are facing challenges due to mud, large rocks, and fallen trees blocking roads. Currently, approximately 17,000 homes on the islands remain without power.
Hawaiian Electric reported that power has been restored to 99% of customers in Oahu, 98% in Maui, and 75% in Hawaii Island. However, repairs in severely damaged areas may take at least two weeks to complete.
According to a report from ‘Big Island Now’, several feet of mud, fallen trees, and debris were observed on roads and bridges in Kau on Wednesday. Efforts to clear these obstacles are underway.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation noted that a section of the Mamalahoa Highway in Pahala was washed away during the storm. Some parts of the highway were closed, temporarily isolating the community of Naalehu. However, the department confirmed on Tuesday that no community on the island is currently cut off.
Hawaii County reported a record number of power outages and road closures across the island due to the storm. On Sunday, fire crews and the Hawaii National Guard conducted search and rescue operations in Naalehu, Wai’ohinu, and Pahala, assessing areas severely affected by flooding.
Hawaii police indicated that one death may be linked to Hurricane ‘Lala’, with another death potentially also related to the storm. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center stated that ‘Lala’ weakened to a tropical storm after passing through the southern part of the islands, having initially been classified as a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday.
Relief and recovery efforts are ongoing. Meanwhile, meteorologists are monitoring a potential tropical system developing southeast of Hawaii. The future path of this system remains uncertain.
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