Hawaiʻi National Guard Battles Floodwaters To Rescue Stranded Paramedics

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Hawaiʻi National Guard’s high-water vehicle team rescued two emergency medical responders stranded in floodwaters during Hurricane Lala on Aug. 14, 2026.

The Soldiers, assigned to 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment, navigated approximately five feet of fast-moving floodwater, debris and severely restricted visibility to reach the stranded paramedics.

After extracting the responders, the team reversed approximately one mile through the flooded roadway to reach a safe location.

The rescue was part of the Hawaiʻi National Guard’s response to Hurricane Lala, during which soldiers and airmen supported communities statewide through high-water rescues and evacuations, debris clearance, damage assessments, aerial reconnaissance and wellness checks.

They coordinated with state and county emergency management agencies to protect lives and assist with recovery efforts.