An even deadlier tsunami that killed more than 150 people on the Big Island in 1946 prompted the development of an emergency warning system for all of Hawaii. This system includes sirens that are tested monthly for readiness.
Many survivors of the fires said they did not hear sirens or receive a warning that would have given them enough time to prepare. They realized they were in danger only when they saw flames nearby or heard explosions.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continued.
At least three wildfires broke out on the island of Maui this week. The most serious of these hit Lahaina on Tuesday, where many people were caught off guard, trapped in streets or jumped into the ocean trying to escape the fire.
Cadaver dogs were involved in the search Friday, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said.
US President Joe Biden declared the wildfires in Hawaii a “disaster” on Thursday, allowing federal aid to hit the hard-hit island of Maui.
Fires had also broken out on the Great Island, but they were already contained on Thursday.
2023-08-12 05:36:05
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