Pahala residents struggle with power outages after Hurricane Lala
Days after Hurricane Lala hit the southern Big Island, the town of Pahala is still without power or running water — a hard situation for residents with no quick fix in sight.
- Roads from Hilo have reopened, but the whole town remains blacked out.
- People can't wash clothes or keep food from spoiling, and are cooking what they have before it goes bad.
- One resident's backyard turned into a mud river five feet deep in seconds.
- The local hospital says supplies are hard to get, and damaged cars leave many unable to drive out for fuel.
- Union volunteers are handing out ice and food, and donation drop-off sites are open.
Outlook: Pahala and nearby Naalehu will likely stay in survival mode for weeks while crews work to restore power and water.