Maui Residents at Emergency Shelter Face Uncertainty
Amidst the devastating wildfires that have ravaged north-central Maui, hundreds of displaced residents have found refuge at the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku, where a heartwarming grassroots effort is helping reconnect families torn apart by the disaster. The fires have inflicted significant damage on the island, claiming the lives of at least 80 individuals near its western shore.
A touching display of solidarity has emerged at the gymnasium, where individuals from organizations including the Red Cross, Maui County, and other agencies are rallying to provide essential aid and supplies. Post-It notes, adorned with contact information and names, adorn a board, aiming to facilitate connections among loved ones separated during the chaotic evacuations.
For many evacuees at the gymnasium, their exodus stemmed from the historic town of Lahaina, leaving behind everything except the clothes on their backs. Regrettably, some are grappling with the distressing challenge of locating their family members.
Kathleen Dukes, a Lahaina native, described her profound shock at witnessing her community in the grip of flames. Sharing her own story, she recounted fleeing the fire on Wednesday and fortunately reuniting with her elderly mother on Friday. While their shared home remains standing, the homes of her aunt and sister were tragically consumed by the fire.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and unity of the community shine through. Dukes expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Maui’s residents, describing it as a testament to the strength that emerges in times of crisis.
Inside the gymnasium, a scene of communal solidarity unfolds as people camp out on mattresses, seeking solace and safety. The harrowing experiences shared by evacuees like Lynn Robison, a Lahaina resident, paint a vivid picture of the magnitude of the disaster. Robison and her friends took refuge by the shoreline, prepared to escape into the ocean if needed. Awakening to the devastation, she found her apartment complex reduced to ashes, propelling her to seek shelter at the gymnasium.
The challenges persist, as communication remains hindered due to cell service disruptions. Robison’s concern for her children on the mainland is palpable, and though they urge her to join them, her bond with the island keeps her anchored amidst uncertainty.
In the midst of this crisis, the spirit of giving and support extends even further. Shakina Newport, a nursing student from Santa Cruz, California, happened to be visiting her son on Maui when the fires erupted. Moved by the urge to help, Newport, along with other volunteers, has set up a tent outside the gymnasium, offering soothing massages to comfort the community’s weary souls.
As Maui grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the resilience, compassion, and unity of its people provide a glimmer of hope. The stories of evacuation, survival, and community support serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Nelen Cesar, 58, with her husband and three kids, told CNN they arrived at the shelter on Thursday after fleeing their home in Lahaina, where she had lived for more than 30 years.
Cesar and her family grabbed what they could as they evacuated, she said, but is distraught to lose family photographs and mementos from her childhood in the Philippines.
Her daughter returned to the location of the house and sent her pictures showing that it had been razed to the ground. Cesar said the loss is difficult to comprehend.
“I just want to see the evidence. I’m still hoping and praying it’s still there,” Cesar said.
