A tragic series of fires have erupted in Hawaii, causing the loss of at least 53 lives and wreaking havoc upon a beloved tourist destination. Hawaii’s governor has grimly predicted that the casualty count will continue to climb.
Over the course of the last few days, approximately 14,000 individuals have fled Maui Island, and an additional 14,500 are projected to evacuate by the end of today. With around 11,000 people still grappling with power outages on the island, the situation remains dire.
The picturesque tourist town of Lahaina, located along the island’s west coast, has borne the brunt of the devastation. According to Governor Josh Green, roughly 80% of Lahaina has been obliterated by the fires. While progress has been made in containing the fires, the three main infernos are yet to be fully extinguished.
The flames have been further exacerbated by the assistance of hurricane conditions. These blazes have consumed thousands of structures, including some dating back to the 1700s.
Rescuers are racing against time, searching for around 1,000 individuals who remain unaccounted for. Helicopters are conducting water drops in a bid to control the fires.
Governor Green expressed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging that the death toll is likely to surpass the 61 lives lost in a tsunami in 1960. He emphasized the necessity of a collaborative effort to restore the state and commended the spirit of resilience among the people.
Amid the chaos, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen implored residents to remain patient before returning to their homes, as the recovery process continues.
Kamuela Kawaakoa, who fled with his partner and young son, recounted the heart-wrenching experience of watching their town succumb to the flames. The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has declared a “major disaster,” freeing up resources for recovery efforts. In a tweet, President Biden expressed solidarity with those affected and urged adherence to evacuation orders and first responders’ instructions.
The inferno left Lahaina’s coastal region in ruins, with nearly 300 structures damaged or destroyed. A veteran tour helicopter pilot, Richard Olsten, conveyed the scale of devastation, highlighting the loss of historical buildings that cannot be replaced. Some evacuees even sought refuge in the ocean, with the Coast Guard rescuing 12 individuals from the waters.
The impacted area, Lahaina, carries significant historical and touristic value, having once served as Hawaii’s capital.
Source: With Agencies