Maui fire update from the north shore of Maui
Our recent Hawaiian disaster has made ripples across the globe and it seems everyone wants to know if we're safe, so I hope this helps.
Yes we are safe in Haiku Maui because it's on the windward side, upwind of the fires, and generally green and lush due to rain. Maui has been suffering from a drought, but not the whole island. Hana, Kipahulu, Nahiku, Huelo, Haiku - these are some of the wetter and more jungly parts where wild fires are not expected or normal, and even in a drought we stay green.
On the other side of the island, it's dry, it's hot and it's more densely built up and populated. With the super high winds we experienced earlier this week, it became the perfect conditions for fires to spread quickly. Firefighters were busy putting out fires in the Upcountry area during the daytime and evening of Tuesday (and still, I might add). On Tuesday night, some fires started above Lahaina town, with winds accelerating coming down the mountain, causing flames and embers to cover ground so quickly that fire personnel couldn't get there in time before the whole town was engulfed. There's basically only one 2-lane road in and out, which often causes a bottle neck in the best of times. So in the worst of times, there was not much that could be done. It was too windy for aircraft to be of any help. Road access was sketchy, and being used by people fleeing. Over 20 power poles were down and still live. Cell towers were knocked out. Communications were quickly non existent. Even the harbor was burned, boats, docks and all.... these are pictures of things we'll never see again!
It's a real tragedy that we're still trying to wrap our heads around as it unfolds. My heart breaks for the loss of lives and the destruction. I'm also sorry that tourists have been displaced and others won't be able to make their much hoped for trips here. It's an epic situation, and it's being handled with a huge response on all levels, including the local community.
Some things I've learned from this and other disasters:
- you never know when something awful will happen
- pay attention to your immediate surroundings at all times - YOU are responsible for you
- always be prepared for an emergency with ample food, water and other important supplies to last a few weeks or more
- keep a go-bag in your car with basics to cover your immediate needs
- keep your gas tank topped up, and your batteries charged up
- don't expect help to arrive immediately because it's not easy for them either
- have a plan and discuss it with your household about where to go and how to keep in touch
- the community will help, so be part of the community and know your neighbors, check on neighbors
- keep fit, be prepared
If you want to help please try these resources:
Thanks to everyone who checked in with us to see if we're safe. We are very lucky and blessed to be able to write this. Take care.
Thanks for reading my Maui blog...
Buying or selling real estate on Maui? That's what I do. Let me help YOU.
Georgie Hunter R(S) e-Pro, Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers
E-mail or call/text: 808 283-0635
Comments (59)Subscribe to CommentsComment