Deadly Wildfires Devastate Maui, Hawaii
WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Wildfires fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane killed 36 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings on the Hawaiian island of Maui, in the deadliest blaze in the U.S. in years.
The fire started on Tuesday and quickly spread through the dry growth, catching residents and tourists off guard. Lahaina, the largest town on the west side of the island and a popular tourist destination, was hit particularly hard. Rescuers are currently searching through the leveled homes and businesses, while firefighters continue to battle the remaining blazes on the island.
Maui County officials reported that 36 people have died, with the possibility of the death toll rising. At least 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and dozens of people have been injured. This fire is the deadliest since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and devastated the town of Paradise.
The fires were exacerbated by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed far to the south of the island. Climate change is also believed to have played a role in creating the conditions for such a devastating blaze.
As the fires continue to rage, tourists have been advised to stay away from the affected areas. Thousands of visitors have already left the island, and more are expected to evacuate in the coming days. Local officials are working to find shelter for displaced residents and provide support to those in need.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. expressed his grief and solidarity with the community, stating, “We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time. In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a ‘kaiaulu,’ or community, as we rebuild with resilience and aloha.”
President Joe Biden has ordered all available federal assets to assist with the response efforts. The Hawaii National Guard has mobilized helicopters for fire suppression and search-and-rescue operations.
The devastation caused by these wildfires serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat of extreme weather events due to climate change. Experts warn that such disasters are likely to become more frequent and severe in the future.Deadly Wildfires Devastate Maui, Hawaii
WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A deadly wildfire, fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, has claimed the lives of 36 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings on the Hawaiian island of Maui. This is the deadliest blaze in the United States in years.
The fire, which started on Tuesday, caught the island by surprise, rapidly spreading through dry vegetation and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Lahaina, the largest town on the west side of the island and a popular tourist destination, was particularly hard-hit. Rescuers are currently searching through the leveled homes and businesses, while firefighters continue to battle the remaining blazes on the island.
Maui County officials have reported that 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and dozens of people have been injured. The death toll is expected to rise as officials continue their search and rescue efforts. This wildfire is the deadliest since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which claimed the lives of at least 85 people and devastated the town of Paradise.
The fires were exacerbated by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the island. Climate change experts have warned that extreme weather events, such as wildfires, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Residents of Lahaina have described their harrowing escapes as they fled from the rapidly approaching flames. Some were forced to seek refuge in the ocean, while others had only minutes to gather their belongings and evacuate. The fire moved so quickly that historic buildings were reduced to smoking piles of rubble and cars were left burned-out on once busy streets.
Tourists have been advised to stay away from the affected areas, and thousands have already been evacuated from the island. The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu has been prepared to accommodate the displaced residents.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. expressed his grief and solidarity with the community, stating that the island has been tested like never before. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding with resilience and aloha, the Hawaiian word for love and compassion.
President Joe Biden has ordered all available federal assets to assist with the response efforts. The Hawaii National Guard has mobilized helicopters for fire suppression and search-and-rescue operations. Governor Josh Green has returned to the island and issued an emergency proclamation, urging tourists to stay away.
As the fires continue to rage, residents are left to assess the damage and rebuild their lives. The full extent of the devastation is yet to be determined, but the community remains hopeful and determined to recover from this tragic event.
How are local officials providing assistance and shelter for displaced residents in the affected areas of the wildfire?
Assessment of the affected areas. This wildfire is the deadliest since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which took the lives of at least 85 people and devastated the town of Paradise.
The severity of the fires was worsened by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the island. Experts also believe that climate change played a role in creating the conditions for such a devastating blaze.
In light of the ongoing fires, tourists are being advised to avoid the affected areas. Many visitors have already left the island, and more evacuations are expected in the days to come. Local officials are working diligently to find shelter for displaced residents and provide assistance to those in need.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. expressed his condolences and solidarity with the community, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community to rebuild and recover.
President Joe Biden has mobilized all available federal assets to support the response efforts. The Hawaii National Guard has deployed helicopters for fire suppression and search-and-rescue operations.
The catastrophic impact of these wildfires serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threat of extreme weather events resulting from climate change. Experts warn that these disasters are likely to become more frequent and severe in the future.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and those affected by this tragedy. Stay strong, Maui! 🙏🏽✨
I can’t even imagine the devastation that the people of Maui are facing right now. Sending love and support to everyone affected by this tragedy. 💔🙏🏻