“Lahaina, with only a few exceptions, has been tragically reduced to ashes,” lamented Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green.
The serene landscapes of Hawaii’s Maui Island have been ravaged by a devastating series of wildfires, resulting in a confirmed death toll of at least 53 individuals.
Authorities somberly acknowledge that this count is likely to rise as rescue and recovery operations persist.
As relentless firefighting efforts forge ahead, a grim update from Maui County has revealed an additional 17 fatalities.
These new casualties stem from the ongoing battle against the fiercely active Lahaina fire. In a statement issued on Thursday, Maui County expressed that this sorrowful announcement brings the total death toll to 53 lives lost, as reported by The Guardian.
Crisis teams continue to execute massive evacuation campaigns while tirelessly scouring for survivors. Displaced residents grapple with the profound impact of what appears to be extensive devastation, particularly within the historic enclave of Lahaina.
“Lahaina, with only a few exceptions, has been tragically reduced to ashes,” lamented Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green.
In response to the escalating catastrophe, President Joe Biden has authorized a disaster declaration for Maui.
This crucial step allows federal resources to be harnessed in aiding local recovery initiatives for the areas profoundly affected by the wildfire onslaught.
President Biden unequivocally promised swift assistance to all those who have lost loved ones or seen their homes damaged or destroyed.
The horrors of the disaster unfolded on Tuesday night when relentless winds propelled a blaze that originated in the wilderness into the heart of Lahaina, a town inhabited by 13,000 residents.
As of Thursday, the island remains ablaze with three active fire fronts—Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry. Notably, the Lahaina fire has been contained up to 80 percent, although firefighting crews are grappling with sporadic flare-ups.
The urgency of the situation led to a request for additional firefighters from Honolulu.
Search and rescue efforts have been prioritized, as emphasized by Adam Weintraub, spokesperson for Hawaii’s emergency management agency. Nonetheless, access to certain regions remains impossible until fire lines are secure and entry can be guaranteed for the rescue teams.
Officials are diligently working to evacuate both residents and tourists stranded in Kaanapali, located just north of the decimated Lahaina. As part of the ongoing relief efforts, preparations are underway to convert a convention center in Honolulu into a refuge capable of hosting up to 4,000 displaced individuals. Additionally, Maui’s Kahului airport is providing shelter to 2,000 travelers who found themselves stranded due to canceled flights or recent arrivals to the island.
Brian Schatz, US Senator for Hawaii, remarked, “These fires are absolutely devastating, and we will not know the full extent of the damage for a while. In the meantime, the highest priority is the safety of the people.”
The magnitude of the catastrophe is underscored by the fact that these catastrophic fires have rendered neighborhoods desolate wastelands, obliterating over a thousand structures. This tragic incident is poised to become Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster since 1961, when a tsunami claimed 61 lives.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Hurricane Dora exacerbated the challenges faced by firefighters in an already parched season. With Hawaii grappling with drought conditions, the islands found themselves ensnared between a high-pressure system to the north and the low-pressure influence of Dora. Meteorologist Jeff Powell of Honolulu noted that the combination of dryness and gusts creates a perilous environment that allows existing fires to rapidly spiral out of control.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. poignantly expressed, “The island has been tested like never before in our lifetime.” As the island community rallies together to navigate this unprecedented catastrophe, the resilience and determination of its people shine through the darkness. (Edited)