American Red Cross response continues for Hurricane Lowell impacts

The American Red Cross continues to respond to the impact of Hurricane Lowell across the Hawaiian Islands.

On Kaua‘i, Red Cross staff and volunteers are working to distribute emergency supplies and to assess the damage in communities throughout the island. Before the storm, the Red Cross, in coordination with government partners, opened five refuge areas on Kaua‘i to house individuals that needed a safe place during the storm.

At the storm’s peak, these refuge areas housed more than 300 people. Three overnight shelters remain open to continue safely housing those who cannot return home yet. 

“Our teams are seeing significant damage in parts of the island as they work to reach the hardest hit areas,” Red Cross officials said. “Both emergency supply distribution and damage assessment teams are making their way into these areas. Emergency supply distribution includes clean-up kits that can help individuals begin to remove debris and clean out their homes.”

On Sept. 10, Red Cross volunteers interacted with the impacted community on the South Shore and West Side of Kaua‘i. Residents shared their experiences during the storm as they worked to clean out their homes. Cami Ritner-Yost shared how her neighbor’s home in the Baby Beach area was lifted by the storm surge and placed in her driveway across the street. She estimated that 20-foot waves were crashing on the top of her roof that survived the storm, according to the Red Cross.

Julie Souza, another homeowner in the area, has lived on this street for decades. She described how Hurricane Lowell was reminiscent of Hurricane Iniki that destroyed her home on Sept. 11, 1992. This time her property remained intact. 

Through these conversations with community members and partnerships with state, county and community organizations, the Red Cross gathers information about damage and unmet needs across Kaua‘i. As the Red Cross learns of more damage, assessment teams process that information and conduct on-site assessments. This data will inform assistance efforts. 

Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-REDCROSS (800-733-2767).