Multiple Fatalities and Massive Destruction in Maui Wildfires
At least six people have died in the ongoing wildfires that are devastating parts of Maui, according to the island’s mayor, Richard Bissen Jr. In a news conference on Wednesday morning, Bissen confirmed the fatalities and stated that search and rescue efforts were still underway. The exact details of the deaths were not disclosed. More than a dozen people, including two young children, had to be rescued from the ocean, and several others are still unaccounted for.
The fires have resulted in the evacuation of 13 neighborhoods and the closure of 16 roads, with five shelters opened to accommodate over 2,000 people. Numerous homes, businesses, and structures have been destroyed, particularly in the western town of Lahaina. Helicopters that were unable to fly due to high winds a day earlier are now being used to drop water and suppress the flames. However, the full extent of the damage will not be known until the fires are extinguished.
Video footage captured by Air Maui Helicopter Tours reveals the extent of the devastation in Lahaina, with entire blocks reduced to ruins and ashes. The smoke from the fires continues to shroud the area. James Kunane Tokioka, the state’s business, economic development, and tourism director, described the situation as devastating, with local people losing everything including their homes and animals.
The fires have also caused significant disruption to communications and infrastructure on the island. 911 service and cell phone coverage have been cut off in many areas, hindering emergency response efforts. The hospital system is overwhelmed with burn patients and unable to provide extensive treatment. Power has been lost to over 12,000 homes and businesses, and tourists are being discouraged from visiting Maui due to the dangerous conditions.
The wildfires on Maui are part of a larger trend of devastating fires occurring across the United States this season. In Texas, parts of the state are currently under critical fire risk. However, the situation in Maui is particularly exceptional, according to Hawaii’s lieutenant governor. The fires were triggered by Hurricane Dora, which passed by the island without making landfall. The hurricane’s strong winds and other factors have led to the destruction of communities, businesses, and homes.
Residents and tourists have been forced to flee as the fires spread rapidly. Alan Dickar, a resident of Lahaina, described the chaos and lack of time to evacuate. Clint Hansen captured drone footage of the wildfires north of Kihei, illustrating the apocalyptic scenes unfolding on the island.
The unpredictable nature of the fires, combined with challenging terrain and weather conditions, has made it difficult to predict their path and speed. Efforts to communicate with affected areas and evacuate tourists have been hampered by the loss of communications infrastructure. The Hawaii National Guard has been mobilized to assist with traffic control and other emergency response efforts.
As Hurricane Dora continues its path south of the islands, strong winds and low humidity levels are expected to persist, exacerbating the fire conditions. The true extent of the damage and the final death toll remain uncertain as the wildfires continue to rage on Maui.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-09 22:18:00
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