Couple’s Home Destroyed by Flood, Leaving Them to Sleep on Air Mattresses in Storage Container

In a devastating turn of events, Tom and Carrie Bashaw, a couple nearing their 80s, have lost their dream home in Hawaii due to catastrophic flooding triggered by a fierce Kona storm. The couple’s property, located on Mokuhau Road in Happy Valley, was swept away after torrential rain caused the adjacent ʻĪao Stream to overflow, leading to significant erosion beneath their house.

The Bashaws began constructing their home in 2020, envisioning it as a sanctuary where they could comfortably enjoy their retirement years. However, during the storm on March 14, their worst fears came to fruition. In an emotional recount of the event, Carrie stated, “Never expected my whole house to disappear. Everything’s gone.” The urgency to flee became paramount as they watched the structure they cherished begin to crumble.

As the floodwaters rose ominously, Carrie and Tom quickly gathered their two cats and left their home, seeking refuge in a barn approximately 180 feet away from the swiftly rising stream. Tragically, by the following morning, the foundation of their house had been severely compromised, with half of it collapsing and being carried away by the raging waters. Their daughter, Stephanie Ichinose, described the scene and highlighted that the rest of the house, alongside the garage, was ultimately destroyed by the day’s end.

In the wake of this disaster, the Bashaws are now residing in a storage container on their property, where they are making do with air mattresses while they contemplate their future. Unfortunately, the couple had not secured flood insurance for their home; as it was not situated in a designated flood zone, they believed they were safe from such natural calamities. Tom lamented, “We never thought it was going to flood,” illustrating the shock and disbelief that many in the region felt during the storm’s aftermath.

In response to the couple’s plight, Ichinose has launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over £30,000 to support the Bashaws as they navigate this challenging situation. Donations collected through this initiative will help address immediate needs, including the costs of temporary housing, replacing essential personal belongings, and initiating the laborious process of rebuilding their lives.

Despite the overwhelming loss, Tom and Carrie have expressed gratitude for their survival and the community’s support during this dire time. They are acutely aware of the seriousness of their situation, but their resilience shines through as Carrie stated, “There’s nothing else we can do. This is all we’ve got and it’s gone. We’re survivors and we’ll just start again.” The couple’s determination to move forward, bolstered by their cats and supportive neighbours, resonates with their commitment to rebuild.

As the Bashaws plan for their next steps, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters and the importance of community solidarity. Through this trial, they have found strength not only in their survival but also in the connections they have fostered with those around them.

While the Bashaws face an uncertain future, the outpouring of assistance from friends, family, and even strangers paints a hopeful picture amid the devastation. Time will tell how they will manage the arduous journey to recovery, but with their strong spirit, they are undoubtedly prepared to confront the challenges ahead.