Peace Winds Staff Members Arrive in Maui
On August 16, three Peace Winds staff members, including a nurse, arrived in Maui to provide support following the wildfires. The death toll has now reached 111, and the search for victims continues. Rescue teams are hard at work while Peace Winds has partnered with the local Red Cross chapter to provide food, water, and emergency supplies to survivors living in temporary shelters.
Peace Winds photographer Simon Kondo is on the ground in Lahaina documenting the damage. He tells Peace Winds that although there is no sign of active fires, first responders are still carrying out firefighting activities to ensure that hotspots do not produce flames. As long as the hot, dry conditions continue, teams will continue to water affected areas as a precaution.
The city of Lahaina has suffered extensive damage down to the coastline, Kondo says, and the area is still filled with the pungent odor of burnt plastic. The city is quiet with only a few locals here and there, looking stunned at the damage. In contrast to earthquakes, it seems like there is nothing to clean up–most debris from homes and belongings has simply burned up.
Peace Winds staff members are working with our local partners to assess the needs of survivors and provide support. We will bring updates as we are able. Please click here to make a donation toward Peace Winds’ activities in Maui. We thank you for your continued support.
