Hurricane Lowell knocks out Lanai’s only cargo port in Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell has knocked out the only cargo port on the Hawaiian island of Lanai in the United States, meaning that about 3,300 residents could face shortages of food and fuel. The harbor, through which a significant share of such cargo reaches the island, is temporarily out of service, and its repairs, according to state officials’ estimates, will take about two weeks, TimesLIVE reports.
Port damage and supplies
According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the storm created a sinkhole in Lanai’s main harbor, damaged part of the pier and scattered containers in the water. Authorities were considering other ways to deliver essential supplies to the island.
Hurricane Lowell moved along the western part of the state of Hawaii. Repair crews began restoring the port on Lanai, while work to restore electricity continued on Kauai. Strong winds and storm waves on Kauai damaged coastal resorts, destroyed roads and caused power outages.
Consequences on Kauai
Thousands of customers, including some resorts, remained without electricity. Utility crews were clearing roads of fallen trees and power poles. Tourism officials urged travelers to postpone trips to Kauai or choose another island while recovery continues.
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Storm surge damaged and washed away roads, destroyed house walls and flooded resorts. Long lines formed at Kauai airport as people tried to leave the island. According to local estimates, tourism provides four out of ten jobs on Kauai.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Wednesday asked President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration to speed up federal aid to Kauai and Maui counties. According to the governor, the state cannot wait for a full assessment of the cost of damaged roads, power poles, harbors and public facilities.
Deaths
At least two deaths have been linked to the storm. In southern Kauai, rescuers found the body of a 74-year-old man near the coast; police believe his death may have been connected to the storm surge. Another man died on Oahu when a large tree fell on his tent in a park during bad weather on Monday.
