Hawaii Hurricane Lala destroys about 100 homes, no fatalities reported

Hurricane Lala slammed the Hawaiian islands on Thursday, tearing roofs off structures and sweeping away an estimated 100 homes in the most heavily impacted neighborhoods. Winds gusted at more than 120 miles per hour, toppling trees, downing power lines and flooding low‑lying streets. Residents described the scene as “like a war zone,” with debris scattered across once‑quiet suburbs.

State Governor Josh Green addressed the media shortly after the storm passed, noting that, “amazingly, there appears to be no loss of life besides a tragic car crash.” Emergency crews confirmed that a single driver was killed when a vehicle was struck by a falling tree. Apart from that incident, officials said there were no other fatalities or serious injuries, a fact that officials attributed to early evacuation orders and community shelters that were activated ahead of the storm’s landfall.

The hurricane also left more than 50,000 customers without electricity and forced the closure of several coastal roads due to landslides and flooding. The Department of Transportation dispatched repair teams to clear debris, while the Hawaii National Guard set up temporary shelters for displaced families. Federal aid has been requested, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun pre‑positioning supplies in anticipation of longer‑term recovery work.

Hurricanes are relatively rare in the central Pacific, making Lala one of the most powerful storms to strike the state in recent decades. Meteorologists said the storm intensified rapidly over warm ocean waters before making landfall, catching some communities off guard despite improved forecasting tools.

Recovery efforts are now focused on restoring power, clearing roads and providing housing assistance to those whose homes were destroyed. Local charities have opened donation centers, and the Red Cross is coordinating volunteer support. As the islands begin to rebuild, officials stress the importance of resilient construction and updated building codes to mitigate future storm damage.

Original reporting: BBC News.