A devastating wildfire has consumed the historic town of Lahaina in Hawaii, resulting in at least 53 fatalities, marking it as one of Hawaii’s most tragic events. Strong winds from an approaching hurricane accelerated the fire on Maui island’s west coast, taking many residents by surprise. Some were left with no choice but to leap into the sea, attempting to evade the fast-advancing flames.
Governor Josh Green described the event as likely the “largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history.” Drawing a parallel, he referenced a 1960 disaster where a massive wave caused 61 deaths. The current death toll might surpass that number, Green hinted.
Currently, 53 deaths are confirmed, with firefighters still working tirelessly in Lahaina, which once was the early 19th-century capital of the Hawaiian kingdom. Overhead images depict a town reduced to smoky ruins, with charred trees standing as the lone remnants of the past. Governor Green revealed that about 80% of the town has been destroyed, leaving many historic structures in ruins and thousands without homes. To address this, he emphasized the need for large-scale housing solutions.
President Joe Biden has recognized the wildfires as a “major disaster”, ensuring federal aid for reconstruction and relief, a process anticipated to span years. In the midst of the chaos, around 100 residents were forced into the sea to escape the flames. Although thick smoke made aerial rescues difficult, the US Coast Guard managed to save over 50 individuals.
Kekoa Lansford, a local, described the ongoing grim situation of retrieving bodies from the waters. With an estimated 1,700 buildings affected, the community is collectively grieving. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen expressed hope for community resilience in the wake of the tragedy.
Numerous evacuations are underway, with Maui County urging tourists to depart swiftly. The island, catering to a significant portion of the state’s tourists, relies heavily on these funds. With the airport flooded with people hoping to depart, many face long waits without basic amenities.
Contributing to the fire’s intensity, strong winds, due to a nearby hurricane, consumed dry vegetation. Experts note that while wildfires aren’t rare in Hawaii, this year’s are particularly severe. This event adds to the tally of extreme weather occurrences recently recorded across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The increasing frequency of such incidents is linked to global temperature rises, exacerbating drought conditions and consequently elevating bushfire risks.
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