American Red Cross staff and volunteers continue to respond on Kaua‘i in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell and the destruction it wrought around the Garden Isle, working to distribute emergency supplies and assess damage.
Five Red Cross areas of refuge were opened around the island before the storm to house people in need of a safe place during the storm. Those shelters housed more than 300 people at Lowell’s peak; three overnight shelters remain open for those who cannot yet return home.
Teams saw and continue to see significant damage in parts of the island as they work to reach the hardest hit areas.
Emergency supply distribution and damage assessment teams are making their way into these areas.
Emergency supply distribution includes cleanup kits that can help people and families begin to remove debris and clean out their homes.
Red Crossers on Sept. 10 interacted with the impacted community on the South Shore and west side of Kaua‘i.
Community members shared their experiences during the storm while working to clean out their homes.
Courtesy Photo: American Red Cross- Courtesy Photo: American Red Cross
Cami Ritner-Yost shared how her neighbor’s home in the Baby Beach area was lifted by storm surge and washed into her driveway across the street. She estimated 20-foot waves were crashing on the top of her roof, which survived the storm.
Another homeowner in the area Julie Souza has lived on the street for decades. She described how the experience of Hurricane Lowell was reminiscent of Hurricane ‘Iniki that destroyed her home Sept. 11, 1992.
Luckily, her property remained intact this time.
Through these conversations with community members and partnerships with state, county and community organizations, the Red Cross gathers information about damage and unmet needs around Kaua‘i. As the Red Cross learns about more damage, teams process that information and head out to assess the damage.
That data will inform assistance efforts.
Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-REDCROSS (800-733-2767). Teams are ready and available to meet the needs of those impacted by Hurricane Lowell.
