Odessa College (OC) joined the rest of the nation in extending concern and support to the people of the Hawaiian island of Maui, which was ravaged by wildfires earlier this month.
“Sending strength, love and unwavering support to all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Maui,” the school said in an Aug. 10 Facebook post. “Our thoughts are with the resilient communities, brave firefighters and everyone working tirelessly to protect homes, wildlife and precious landscapes. Stay safe, Maui. We're with you.”
Reuters reports the Maui wildfires broke out on Aug. 8, killing at least 100 people in their wake and decimating the picturesque seaside town of Lahaina. Per Reuters, the disaster has earned the distinction of being the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over 100 years.
With virtually much of the population of 13,000 people rendered homeless and many businesses reduced to ash, Reuters reported, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) projects the cost to rebuild the former Hawaiian capital to be nearly $6 billion. The Permian Basin chapter of the American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region is working with other chapters nationwide to raise funds for the victims.
Odessa NBC affiliate KWES Channel 9 reports that while thousands of people are in need of assistance, Red Cross officials welcome donations of any amount.
"So the people of West Texas can support the people of Hawaii by making a donation,” an unnamed Permian Basin Red Cross official said in the report. “A financial donation is the best way to aid the people in Hawaii. Because the money is immediately available and we can then use those funds to get people the shelter, food and other necessities they need right now."
Texas has been grappling with wildfires as well.
On Aug. 14, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a wildfire disaster declaration for 191 counties as the Lone Star State experiences widespread wildfire activity, with the possibility of adding more counties as conditions warrant, per a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor.