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Naalehu news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Hurricane Lala's heavy rain moved two Naalehu homes, one into vegetation.
Flash flood emergency prompts evacuations in Kau district.
Background
Hurricane Lala brought intense rainfall to the Big Island, causing severe flash flooding in the Kau district. Local law enforcement initially reported two homes swept away, but later clarified one was moved into vegetation and the other off its foundation. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency, urging residents to seek higher ground.
How it unfolded
- Aug 15, 2026 22:14Local law enforcement reported two homes in Naalehu were swept away due to intense rainfall from Hurricane Lala.
- Aug 15, 2026 23:35Law enforcement updated that one house was moved into nearby vegetation and a person inside was rescued from a tree; the other house moved off its foundation.
- Aug 16, 2026 00:00Hawaii County officials reported evacuations in Naalehu and Waiohinu due to severe flash flooding, with search-and-rescue underway.
- Aug 16, 2026 01:50Flash flood warning extended until 1 a.m.; rain falling at 3 to 5 inches per hour.
Who’s saying what
- Officials
- Hawaii County officials urged residents to seek higher ground immediately due to life-threatening flash flooding.
- Law Enforcement
- Initially reported homes swept away, then clarified one was moved into vegetation and another off its foundation.
Still unverified
Initial reports of homes being swept away were later corrected; the exact extent of damage remains unconfirmed.