Six weeks after Hurricane Lowell battered Hawaiʻi's western islands, Kauaʻi is working through a long recovery. Lowell caused catastrophic damage in Kauaʻi County, Hawaiʻi, in the United States, on the night of September 7 as it passed about 35 miles west of Niʻihau as a Category 2 hurricane.
Surge and flooding
Hurricane-force gusts were recorded at several locations, but the most devastating damage came from high surf and storm surge along Kauaʻi's south- and west-facing shores. In Poʻipū, large waves and surge swept cars and homes off their foundations and destroyed roads. Rainfall reached up to 21.7 inches on Kauaʻi. More than 90% of Kauaʻi residents lost power, and Lanai's cargo harbor was knocked out.
Three lives lost
The National Weather Service attributed three deaths to the storm. On Kauaʻi, a 74-year-old man was killed by storm surge at Nomilu Fishpond and a 69-year-old man died in flash flooding in Wainiha. On Oahu, a 31-year-old man in Waimānalo was killed when a tree fell on his tent.
Relief and federal aid
American Red Cross shelters on Kauaʻi housed more than 300 people at their peak, and the Hanapēpē and Līhuʻe corps of The Salvation Army served emergency meals. On October 8, the President approved a major disaster declaration providing FEMA Public Assistance to Kauaʻi and Maui counties. More groups are listed on Disaster Relief Organizations.
To help Kauaʻi families recover, visit the Hurricane Lowell disaster page and donate to the organizations responding.
