A Maui couple recently experienced a harrowing event as fierce storm conditions led to significant erosion of their home in Iao Valley. Tom and Carrie Bashaw watched in disbelief as rising waters from Iao Stream undermined their property, washing away large portions of their home.
Storm Conditions in Iao Valley
The Bashaws monitored the Iao Stream closely during the storm. On that fateful Friday, they observed trees downstream beginning to topple. “I’m like, oh my gosh,” Tom Bashaw recalled. The water’s force intensified, posing a real threat to their property.
Evacuation Efforts
When trees began to fall closer to their home, the couple took immediate action. They packed their belongings and left around 9 p.m. that night, seeking refuge in a nearby barn. The next morning, they returned to assess the damage.
Assessment of Damage
What they found was devastating. “The whole backside of the house was in the river, gone,” Tom stated, noting that vital belongings like food and clothing were lost. Only a few items, including furniture and tools, were salvaged.
Unexpected Further Damage
Just as they began to process the initial destruction, another section of their home collapsed. “I held my phone up and videotaped it and it just went boom, right into the water,” Tom recounted. Fortunately, both were unharmed.
Background and Future Plans
The couple had purchased the property in 2018, building a cottage and then their main home, which was still under final touches. “That’s the way life is sometimes,” Tom remarked on their sudden displacement.
- Home built: 2018
- Initial evacuation: 9 p.m. on storm night
- Major home collapse: noon, following the storm
Historically, the river rose a few times each winter but had never threatened their home like this before. “We were 45 feet from the bottom of the river and 60 feet to the river,” Tom mentioned. Despite previous warnings, they did not expect this storm to cause so much destruction.
Current Situation
The couple is currently seeking temporary housing after their home was rendered uninhabitable. “We’re pretty much homeless right now,” Tom stated, reflecting on the gravity of their situation. Neighbors have offered assistance, providing them a cabin as a temporary solution as they navigate their next steps.
