The tranquility of Maui was shattered as wildfire raged through the island’s port town of Lahaina, consuming much in its path.
This natural catastrophe claimed the lives of five members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a community deeply entrenched in faith and unity.
In the face of this tragedy, the response from the Latter-day Saints community has been nothing short of remarkable. The essence of their faith, which revolves around compassion and service, has come to the forefront.
As the death toll climbed to 96 and the extent of the devastation became apparent, local authorities rallied to support those desperately seeking news of their missing loved ones.
The magnitude of the inferno that engulfed Maui was unprecedented. Starting as scattered brush fires, the blaze was fanned by cyclone-like winds that quickly turned it into a catastrophic event. This calamity stands as the most catastrophic natural disaster in the history of Hawaii and the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over 100 years.
The LDS meetinghouses in the Kahului and Kahului West Stakes have been transformed into temporary shelters, offering solace, sustenance, and support to all, regardless of their religious affiliation. These sanctuaries have become symbols of unity, embodying the spirit of compassion and shared humanity.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Latter-day Saints community also is providing essential supplies such as baby formula, canned food, propane, and gasoline.
Further assistance from Church headquarters is imminent, promising additional relief and resources to rebuild and restore the lives that were upended by this tragedy.
