Hurricane Lowell rages through Hawai'i

By: Javohir Aminov, News Editor A Category 2 hurricane approached Hawaii on Labor Day, Monday night. Now approaching the Kaua’i and Ni’ihau islands, O’ahu was also in danger. The winds of Lowell are expected to reach 70 miles coming from the eye of the storm, according to CBS News.

Hurricane Lowell also brought rainfall to some of the islands like Kaua’i, O’ahu, Maui and The Big Island, causing dangerous conditions like floods and mudslides. The highest amount of rainfall was on The Big Island, which reached a total of 24 inches of rain on Tuesday, Sep. 8th.

Lowell has caused immense damage to streets, powerlines and homes. 35,000 members of the

Kaua’i Island are not able to have power, according to the Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative.

Despite these harsh conditions that Hawaii is facing, Derek Kawakami, the mayor of Kaua’i county, has stated that a team was helping on the island, cleaning the rubble off the roads. Additionally, harsh waves have been rampant on the coast, reaching up to 30 feet.

On Wednesday morning, the hurricane had slowed down, only after going through the Islands and it is expected to weaken even more once straying away from Hawaii. Yet, damages have still been made with torn houses and marred streets.

Other organizations, like the American Red Cross, have put in effort to aid those in need. For example, they started dispensing relief supplies once the storm settled down, operated shelters in Hanalei and also provided information on what to do when there is a power outage and how to avoid danger when a hurricane is approaching. 

This is Hawaii’s third time getting hit by a major storm these past few months. The first one being a Category 2 Hurricane called Lala, which first appeared in mid-August. Lala ripped roofs from houses, and took lives, then just two weeks later Tropical Storm Mike hit the islands in late August. Mike caused strong waves and immense flooding that caused damage to neighborhoods.

In spite of the hurricanes and storms that took over Hawaii, there's been multiple instances where people have supported those who have been negatively impacted by the weather. With the mayor's team repairing the streets to the Red Cross giving out first aid kits, there are resources that are actively helping the locals during these trying times.