The devastating flooding in Kauai and how you can help!

This past weekend a storm passed over Kauai that brought record breaking rainfall and flooding and  later left this island dramatically and perhaps irreparably changed for good. There has been damage throughout different parts of this island, but the absolute worse has been on the North Shore of Kauai. CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri stated, “The town of Wainiha alone had 33 inches of rainfall in 24 hours and for context, that amount of rainfall would climatologically take nearly 18 months to fall in London and over 24 months to fall in Los Angeles.” Just so you can understand the extent of this damage, there are people who have lost their homes, cars, and belongings, there were people who were stranded for a couple days awaiting airlift to safety, there are so many animals who have been displaced and harmed, complete roads are gone from flooding, mudslides, and debris, all of the sand and debris has drained the water from Hanalei Bay destroying the reef and marine life there. This island is now in desperate need of rebuilding and lending help to those who are suffering from this flooding, along with all of the animals that need our help and helping to restore the land.

On Monday over 152 people were evacuated by helicopter, 121 by bus, and others by water. It is going to take a long time to rebuild these parts of the island and to get these people, animals, and land back to where it needs to be. I over heard some tourists yesterday talking about how upset they were that they couldn’t go eat at a certain restaurant on the North Shore and that they couldn’t even go hiking where they wanted to and how unfair this was. I was so upset listening to this conversation because you have to understand that Kauai is not just your vacation destination, this is a place where people call home, and while I do understand how frustrating that can be to have a vacation you planned for a long time be inconvenienced, there are people, animals, and communities who have lost SO much! There were people stranded and getting airlifted to safety for god sake! So, please if you have plans to come to Kauai anytime soon, be considerate and thoughtful about this island and what the people on it might be going through.  I have also been really heartbroken over all of the animals who have been injured or displaced from this flood. It’s so easy for animals to be forgotten in disasters like this and I refuse to let that happen, we have to be the voice for these animals and the helping hand that they need!! Below are some photos for you to really see the extent of this damage.

 

(I do not own the rights to any of these images below, please contact me directly to give proper credit)

 

This is the famous Hanalei Peir. The water is completely gone now! It’s devastating to the reef and marine life that were living here.

 

This poor buffalo was washed away in the flood and found on the beach of Hanalei Bay, which is miles from his farm.

 

This is a small island with a strong community, so when any of our community members are suffering, the people of Kauai step in with open arms and hearts to help out as much as they can and it’s a beautiful thing to see! While the people of Kauai have come together to help, we could still use more help from anyone else who is willing to lend a hand or donate in any way! Below are a few links to where you can donate! If you are not able to financially help out, then PLEASE help out by sharing this post with everyone you can! The more people we can spread the word to, the better!

 

The following links and information will be continuously updated to give you the most current information to help!

 

http://www.malamakauai.org/mk/about-mk-2/donate/

Malama is a community based, non profit organization that focuses on advocating, educating, and driving action towards a sustainable Kauai.

You can also send supplies directly to, Malama Kauai, ATTN: Flood Repsonse, P.O. Box 1414, Kilauea, HI 96754.

 

https://www.gofundme.com/save-aloha-school-from-kauai-flood

Aloha School in Hanalei was severely damaged in the massive flood that occurred on the north shore of Kauai. Well over 2 feet of water rushed through the building for hours on end, affecting all areas & destroying our main classroom floor, amongst many other damages inside and out. The 36 lovely children who attend the school, along with the amazing teachers, are truly crestfallen.

 

https://www.gofundme.com/hanaleihaena-flooding-fund

Due to the massive excessive flooding from Hanalei to Ha’ena, this town has been completely devastated.
They are raising funds for North Shore residents who have lost so many things in this tragic flood. They are going to disperse the funds with a team and give them specifically to friends and family who are in complete devastation. People have lost homes, cars, animals and so many personal items it’s impossible to list them all.

kauaihumane.org/

PLEASE don’t forget about the animals!!! If you live in Kauai the humane society is currently asking for help with dog and cat food donations and distribution of food. If you live off island and want to help, click the link above and place “flood relief” in the acknowledgement box when donating!

 

**** If you live in Kauai, the key community drop off centers for supplies include, Hawaii Food Bank, HA Coffee, and Kauai Independent Food Bank, all located in Lihue. These locations are accepting more than just food and water, they are looking for everything from diapers, clothes, camping tents, cleaning supplies, etc.  ALSO, The humane society is currently accepting dog and cat food!! ****