Hurricane Lala Leaves Thousands in Hawaii Without Power

Hurricane Lala has wreaked havoc on Hawaii Island, leaving around 17,000 residents without power and causing significant road blockages due to mud and debris. Hawaiian Electric reports substantial progress in restoring power, with most repairs expected to be completed soon. However, some areas may take weeks to recover fully. The storm has also led to tragic incidents, including at least one death. As recovery efforts continue, another potential tropical system is developing nearby, raising concerns about future impacts. Read on for more details about the situation in Hawaii.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 11:48 IST

Impact of Hurricane Lala on Hawaii Island

Screengrab image shows the aftermath following the hurricane Lala in Hawaii island

(Source: X)

Los Angeles, Aug 20: Approximately 17,000 residents on Hawaii Island are currently experiencing power outages, while those in the southern Kau district are facing challenges due to roads blocked by mud, rocks, and fallen trees, days after Hurricane Lala struck this U.S. island state.

According to Hawaiian Electric, their teams have made significant progress overnight in repairing the damaged infrastructure, managing to restore power to 99% of customers on Oahu, 98% on Maui, and 75% on Hawaii Island.

The utility company anticipates that most repairs for the remaining customers on Oahu and Maui will be completed by Wednesday, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

However, in some severely affected areas, repairs may take up to two weeks to finalize.

In Kau, several feet of mud, fallen trees, and debris still obstruct roads and bridges as of Wednesday, according to Big Island Now. Contractors are actively using excavators, loaders, and dump trucks to clear the mud, boulders, and branches, although access remains challenging in certain locations.

A portion of Mamalahoa Highway in Pahala was washed away during the storm, resulting in significant roadway loss, as noted by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

Naalehu experienced isolation due to blocked sections of the highway; however, the department confirmed on Tuesday that no communities on Hawaii Island are currently cut off.

Hawaii County reported that the storm caused an unprecedented number of power outages and road closures across the island. Fire crews and the Hawaii National Guard conducted search-and-rescue missions on Sunday in Naalehu, Waiohinu, and Pahala, focusing on neighborhoods severely impacted by flooding.

Local authorities indicated that one death is believed to be linked to Lala, with another potentially storm-related.

Initially, Lala intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday before weakening into a tropical storm as it moved south of Hawaii Island, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Recovery efforts are ongoing as another potential tropical system has formed southeast of Hawaii, with forecasters noting that its trajectory remains uncertain.