Kauai County spokeswoman, Sarah Blane, reported that 212 people were airlifted from the Hawaiian island of Kauai – most of them were visitors. They had no running water or electricity since Saturday when the flooding began. In addition, county buses shuttled 121 people from the Hanalei Elementary School, which also included tourists, to Princeville today after crews finished repairs to Hanalei Bridge.
Most of those rescued were lifted out by helicopter as the roads were impassable due to landslides, flooding, and being severely washed out. Those bussed out included about 60 people who were staying at a Red Cross shelter at Hanalei Elementary School and others who showed up after hearing the county was bussing people out of the area.
Some people are still stuck on the north shore of the island. Air rescue efforts will continue tomorrow to get people out of the area and to bring in food, water and medical supplies to those still waiting.
The Mayor of Kauai, Bernard Carvalho, Jr., said agencies on all levels – federal, state, and county – are working alongside volunteers to help individuals and to help clear the roadways. At least 8 landslides have strewn mud and debris across Kuhio Highway.
Power remains out for some areas of Hanalei, Wainiha, and Haena; crews are working to restore electricity as quickly as possible.
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