Hawaii Counts Damage After Hurricane Lala, No Fatalities Reported

Hawaii County officials have reported no known deaths from Hurricane Lala, which swept through the island chain over the weekend before weakening to a tropical storm. Mayor Kimo Alameda confirmed the absence of storm-related fatalities, expressing hope that the figure remains unchanged as recovery efforts continue.

The storm brought sustained winds of 80 mph and triggered flash floods, particularly on the southern side of the Big Island. Alameda described a rapid escalation of conditions, with rainfall totals climbing from five inches to as much as 20 inches in some areas. Road closures multiplied from ten to thirty as the storm progressed, and power outages expanded significantly, leaving approximately 65,000 residents without electricity at the peak.

Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe noted that injuries were limited, crediting residents who stayed prepared and sheltered. Search and rescue teams are still working to reach isolated communities, though there are no additional reports of missing persons. Volpe said efforts will continue until every area has been thoroughly checked.

The storm also affected other parts of the state. Honolulu, on Oahu, experienced the brunt of the tropical storm conditions as they moved westward. The Honolulu Fire Department responded to more than 600 weather-related calls by midday Sunday, including 147 reports of downed trees. Roofs were blown off, power lines were brought down, and one swimmer required rescue.

Statewide, more than 200,000 homes and businesses were without power by midday, with nearly two-thirds of Big Island customers affected. At least three hospitals were operating on generator power, and damage to roads and small bridges has made some areas difficult to reach.

Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau, with the potential for destructive flooding. The National Hurricane Center downgraded the Big Island to a flood advisory on Sunday, though much of the state remained under a flash flood warning.