Massive Wildfire Devastates Maui, Hawaii: Death Toll Rises to More Than 90
LAHAINA, Hawaii — Hawaii officials are urging tourists to avoid traveling to Maui as the island faces a long and challenging recovery from a devastating wildfire that has destroyed a historic town and claimed the lives of more than 90 people. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has reported that approximately 46,000 residents and visitors have been evacuated from Lahaina since the devastation became apparent on Wednesday. In a statement released on Saturday, the agency emphasized the need for collective efforts from the government, community, and travel industry to focus on the recovery of displaced residents. Tourists are encouraged to visit Hawaii’s other islands.
Governor Josh Green has announced that 500 hotel rooms will be made available for locals who have been displaced, while an additional 500 hotel rooms will be reserved for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers. Some hotels will continue normal operations to preserve jobs and sustain the local economy. The state is also working with Airbnb to provide rental homes for locals who have lost their homes, with the hope that the company can offer three- to nine-month rentals.
As the death toll in Lahaina climbs to 93, authorities have warned that the process of finding and identifying the deceased is still in its early stages. The wildfire has already become the deadliest in the United States in over a century. Search and rescue teams, along with cadaver dogs, have covered only 3% of the search area, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. He anticipates that the number of dead will increase as the search continues. The federal emergency workers are currently combing through the charred remains of Lahaina, marking the ruins of homes with an orange “X” to indicate the initial search and “HR” when human remains are found.
The devastation has left families in mourning, with the fate of loved ones still unknown. Lylas Kanemoto, who is awaiting news about her cousin Glen Yoshino, fears the worst. She stated that her cousin would have found a way to contact his family if he were still alive. Kanemoto and other family members are prepared to submit DNA samples to aid in the identification of any remains. The loss and heartbreak have been unbearable for many families, including Kanemoto’s, who have already lost four relatives in the tragedy.
The damage in West Maui is extensive, with at least 2,200 buildings damaged or destroyed, most of which were residential. The estimated total damage across the island is close to $6 billion. Multiple fires are still burning on Maui, including in the Kihei area and the mountainous Upcountry region. No fatalities have been reported from these fires, but the Upcountry fire has affected 544 structures, mainly homes. Approximately 4,500 people are in need of shelter in these areas, according to county officials.
Despite the devastation, the community has come together to support one another. J.P. Mayoga, a cook at the Westin Maui, has been providing meals for the approximately 200 hotel employees and their families who have been living there since the fire. While Mayoga’s home was spared, his wife, two young daughters, father, and another local resident are staying in a hotel room for safety reasons. Maui water officials have also issued warnings, advising residents not to drink running water and to take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated areas to avoid possible chemical vapor exposure.
The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, but the dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane are believed to have fueled the flames. Maui’s firefighting efforts have been challenging due to limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, stated that there are no more than 65 county firefighters working at any given time, responsible for three islands: Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Despite the difficult circumstances, residents like Riley Curran acknowledge that officials did their best given the speed at which the fire spread.
The devastating wildfire in Maui has become Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing the 1960 tsunami that claimed 61 lives. It is also the deadliest wildfire in the United States since the 2018 Camp Fire in northern California. The 1918 Cloquet Fire in Minnesota remains the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history, killing hundreds and destroying thousands of homes.
The road to recovery for Maui will be long and arduous, requiring the support and resources of the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the travel industry and the community. Efforts are being made to assist displaced residents and provide essential services and shelter. The state is also exploring options with Airbnb to ensure that rental homes are available for those who have lost their homes. The Maui community, despite the immense loss and heartbreak, is coming together to support one another during this challenging time.
Note: The original article can be found at the following link: https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-hawaii-evacuations-business-ff3e3e870fdf3f8e3d1b31e7f1026eae
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-13 22:31:00
Comments are closed.