Hurricane Lala Leaves Severe Flooding and Damage Across Hawaiʻi As Rescuers Help People & Pets
Photo Credit: HAKA
Communities throughout the Hawaiian Islands are recovering from Hurricane Lala, with Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) suffering some of the storm’s most severe flooding and infrastructure damage.
Although Lala’s center passed south of the Big Island without officially making landfall, the Category 1 hurricane brought torrential rain, strong winds and dangerous flooding.
The Kaʻū District was among the hardest-hit areas, where multiple bridges were destroyed or damaged and flooding temporarily cut off the community of Pāhala. Roads, power lines and other infrastructure were also damaged, making it difficult to reach some rural communities.
Widespread power outages have also impacted Hawaiʻi Island, with tens of thousands of customers still without electricity as crews work to repair damaged transmission lines and restore service.
The Hawaiʻi National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, county crews and emergency responders have been working to restore access and deliver food and essential supplies to affected areas.
Animal rescue organizations are also helping ensure people can remain safely with their animals.
Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance (HAKA), @808haka, supported two emergency shelters in Hilo, providing pet food, leashes, portable food and water bowls, and helping arrange veterinary care for animals in need.
HAKA shared in a post:
“Many of those we met are unhoused community members who sought shelter from the storm alongside their beloved pets. Last night, they had safety, regular meals, and a place where their animals can remain by their side.”
The organization also expressed its gratitude to those helping during the storm:
“To everyone who opened shelters, prepared meals, provided medical and emotional support, transported supplies, donated resources, and volunteered their time—mahalo for ensuring people did not have to choose between their own safety and the animals they love.”
“We have been deployed to bring food to cut off areas and people with pets in need.”
“Lots of people without power and water. Roads are inaccessible.”
How To Help:
Immediate needs include food, clean water and essential supplies for isolated communities, assistance for displaced families and their animals, and support for local shelters and animal rescue organizations.
Please support Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance (HAKA) as it provides critical assistance to people and animals affected by Hurricane Lala.
Our hearts and prayers are with everyone affected throughout the Hawaiian Islands. May God protect and strengthen the people, companion animals, and wildlife as communities recover.
