August 11, 2023 at 01:50
Forest fire in Hawaii: 53 dead – the death toll could be even higher
The death toll from the forest fire that has raged through a town in Hawaii has risen to 53. The number could be even higher, says the state’s governor.
53 people were confirmed to have died in the forest fire at 1.30 on the night of Friday Norwegian time. Before the update, the death toll stood at 36.
– This number is going to rise sharply, Governor Josh Green told CNN before the current latest update.
In an update at 3.30, Green says that thousands are now homeless after the wildfire. The authorities are now working to find places to sleep for them.
– In 1960, 61 people died when a large wave swept over the Big Island. This time it is very likely that the total number of deaths will exceed this significantly, says Green.
It is on Maui, the archipelago’s second largest, that the forest fire has come to life. The fire spread very quickly as a result of dry terrain and strong winds.
The historic town of Lahaina, in the north-west of the island, is hard hit. The flames reached, among other things, Front Street, where there are a number of shops and restaurants that are popular with tourists. Some of the city’s residents had to jump into the sea to escape the flames and smoke.
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he has granted federal aid.
(NTB)
2023-08-10 23:50:05
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