A violent forest fire has ravaged the island of Maui in the Pacific on Wednesday. Large parts of the historic city of Lahaina lie in ruins. People were forced to jump into the sea to escape the flames. At least six people have died and several dozen have been injured, reports say AP.
– This time it is much worse
– This is not a safe place to be. The flames have wiped out local communities, says acting governor of Hawaii, Sylvia Luke, at a press conference.
She is now asking visitors to stay away.
OUTBREAK: An eruption is underway in one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Video: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Show more
Describes disaster
The fire is said to have spread at a tremendous speed helped by strong winds through the town of Lahaina, which consists of many wooden buildings, and which has a history dating back to the 18th century.
– It was apocalyptic as they described it. The heat. Smoke and flames everywhere. They had to get my aging uncle out of his home, says Tiare Lawrence to AP about when 14 family members had to flee from the flames.
Tonight, Norwegian time, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, announces that he will send federal aid to the American state in the Pacific Ocean.
– I have ordered all available federal resources on the islands to assist, Biden says in a statement.
Heralds crisis in holiday paradise
Powerful winner
The National Weather Service states that it was Hurricane Dora, which passed more than 800 kilometers south of the island, which has led to wind gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour. It has also led to power cuts, damage to homes and helicopters not being able to fly.
Now the authorities are working to find temporary places both for residents and thousands of tourists who are visiting the popular destination.
– Local residents have lost everything, explains director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, James Tokioka, to AP.
Furthermore, the wildfires have not only affected Maui. Three forest fires have also been reported on the Big Island. But here, so far, no injuries have been reported.
2023-08-09 23:28:56
#Apocalyptic
