Thousands of residents in Hawaii were forced to flee their homes on Maui as wildfires ravaged the island, resulting in the destruction of parts of a historic town and claiming the lives of at least 36 people. The fires caught the island by surprise, leaving behind a trail of devastation with burned-out cars lining the streets and historic buildings reduced to smoking rubble in Lahaina Town, a popular tourist destination. Firefighters battled blazes across multiple locations on the island, and the intensity of the flames forced some residents to seek refuge in the ocean. The authorities reported that a total of 271 structures were damaged or destroyed, and dozens of people sustained injuries.
The harrowing escape of one Lahaina resident, Kamuela Kawaakoa, highlighted the chaos and danger faced by those trying to flee the fires. Kawaakoa, along with his partner and their 6-year-old son, had to quickly gather their belongings and evacuate as the fire rapidly approached their apartment building. They witnessed the senior center across the road erupt in flames and called 911 for help. As they drove away, they encountered downed utility poles and congested traffic, hindering their escape.
The impact of the wildfires extended beyond the immediate danger zone. Tourists were advised to stay away, and approximately 11,000 visitors left Maui on Wednesday, with more expected to depart the following day. The fires were exacerbated by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which was passing south of the island. This event is just one of many extreme weather disasters occurring globally this summer, which experts attribute to climate change.
As the winds calmed down, flights resumed, allowing pilots to witness the extent of the devastation from the air. Aerial footage revealed the leveled homes and businesses in Lahaina, including the iconic Front Street, which was previously bustling with tourists. The wreckage, charred trees, and smoke-filled air painted a grim picture of the aftermath.
The authorities faced numerous challenges as they responded to the crisis. Around 14,500 customers were left without power, and communication lines were damaged, leaving many people unable to contact their loved ones. The Coast Guard conducted rescues of individuals who had jumped into the water to escape the flames and smoke. Three critically injured individuals were airlifted to Oahu for treatment. The immediate cause of the fires remains under investigation, but officials highlighted the combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds as contributing factors.
President Joe Biden deployed federal resources to assist with the response efforts and expressed his sympathy for those affected by the wildfires. Former President Barack Obama, a Hawaii native, also expressed his distress at witnessing the destruction of a place that holds sentimental value for many.
While wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, they typically occur in large grasslands on the dry sides of the islands and are generally smaller in scale compared to those on the mainland. The recent fires on Maui and the Big Island have demonstrated the potential for significant damage and loss of life. The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering from the devastation caused by these unprecedented wildfires.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-10 10:27:00
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