Devastation and Loss in Lahaina as Wildfires Continue to Rage
LAHAINA, Hawaii – The aftermath of the wildfires that tore through parts of Maui left residents in shock and disbelief as they returned to their homes to assess the damage. The toll rose to 67 confirmed dead as firefighters battled to contain the flames. The scene was one of destruction, with blackened cars, flattened homes and businesses, and incinerated telephone poles. Anthony Garcia, who lost everything he owned, stood under the historic Lahaina banyan tree, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to heaps of dead animals. The devastation seemed to reflect a world turned upside-down.
Attorney General Anne Lopez’s office announced a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires. The goal of the review is to understand the decisions made and share the results with the public. The Associated Press journalists witnessed the destruction in Lahaina, where almost every building on Front Street, the heart of the town, was destroyed. Surviving roosters wandered through the ashes, and charred cars lined the streets. The wildfires are the state’s deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people.
Many survivors expressed frustration at the lack of warning they received before the fires engulfed their homes. Lynn Robinson, who lost her home, said there was no warning or sign of firefighters before she realized her life was in danger. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens were sounded, likely due to widespread power and cellular outages. The governor, Josh Green, warned that the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continued.
The wildfires, fueled by a dry summer and strong winds, erupted on Maui earlier this week, sweeping through the parched brush and reaching Lahaina. The impact was devastating, leaving the town in ruins. The wildfire is projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii’s history, following Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Residents Summer and Gilles Gerling managed to salvage a few precious items from the ashes of their home but lost their wedding rings. Despite the loss, they were grateful to be alive.
Cadaver-sniffing dogs were brought in to aid in the search for the dead, and Maui County officials are working to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts. Lahaina has a known risk of wildfires, as identified in Maui County’s hazard mitigation plan. The plan also noted that West Maui had a high rate of non-English speakers, which may limit the population’s ability to receive and understand warnings during hazardous events.
Maui’s firefighting efforts may have been hindered by a small staff and limited resources. With a maximum of 65 firefighters responsible for three islands, the department does not have off-road vehicles to combat brush fires before they reach populated areas. Water officials have warned residents in Kula and Lahaina that their water may be contaminated and should not be consumed, even after boiling. The recovery process will be complicated, but authorities are urging residents to assess their homes safely.
As residents begin to come to terms with the devastation, they are determined to move forward and rebuild. Lana Vierra, a Lahaina resident, knows that her home is gone along with cherished possessions, but she is eager to return and start anew. Riley Curran, another resident, acknowledges that county officials could not have done more to prevent the disaster, as the fire spread rapidly. The intensity of the fire was unprecedented, even for someone who has witnessed devastating wildfires in California.
The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but the residents of Lahaina are resilient. The community will come together to support one another and rebuild their lives in the face of adversity.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-12 02:53:00
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