Hawaii Guard to airlift supplies to earthquake victims

  • Published
  • By Gerry J. Gilmore
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The Hawaii National Guard is planning to airlift supplies to isolated residents on Maui as soon as their needs are ascertained, a military official said from the state's capital Nov. 1. 

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the Hawaiian Islands Oct. 15. No deaths were reported. Besides some broken bones, no one was seriously injured,said Maj. Chuck Anthony, Hawaii National Guard spokesman.

Local authorities are compiling supply needs lists from Maui residents, Major Anthony said. 

Items requested by Maui residents likely will range from fuel needed to power generators to food and other necessities, he said.

Damage among the islands varied, Major Anthony said, noting the earthquake damaged some roads and bridges on Maui. Electric power was off on the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, for 12 hours after the quake ended.

Once residents' needs are identified, CH-47 Chinook helicopters will be used to ferry the supplies from Oahu to Maui;  the airlift could start by Nov. 5, the major said.