Tropical Storm Lala Upends Communities: Convoy Delivers Hope
August 17, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday, August 15, Tropical Storm Lala struck Hawaii’s Big Island, drenching entire regions and leaving dangerous conditions that continue to threaten survivors’ safety.
The rains reached as high as 35 inches in some areas as the storm’s destruction slowly passed through communities. Multiple severe weather events came with it: winds as high as 140 miles per hour, heavy snow and blizzard conditions on Mauna Kea, and soil saturation so high that trees are uprooting without warning.
At least 100 homes washed away or were damaged. Vehicles were swept from the roads. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses have no power. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has urged survivors to avoid going outside or attempting to use transportation. Rip current risks are active in the impacted communities.
The storm is gradually leaving the area — but its damage cannot be removed so easily.
Convoy of Hope is delivering essential aid in the aftermath.
When families’ livelihoods have been threatened, their daily routines overturned, hope and practical resources make all the difference.
