Maui’s Beloved Historic Town Faces Wildfire Lahaina Residents Evacuate Amidst Devastating Wildfires, Heritage Landmarks at Risk, and Calls for Urgent Aid Rise
Credit: Google
Hawaii’s iconic town, Lahaina, on the island of Maui, is facing unprecedented destruction. Wildfires, aggravated by the powerful winds of Hurricane Dora, have left the town, registered on the US National Register of Historic Places, in ruins. Brian Schatz, a US senator from Hawaii, conveyed the dire situation on social media, stating Lahaina is “almost totally burnt to the ground.”
Lahaina – Maui, Hawaii is basically gone.
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 9, 2023
Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/VQcmiGkSvZ
The rapidly spreading fires have claimed the lives of at least six individuals in Maui County. As the island grapples with this tragedy, its hospital system is swamped with burn victims and cases of smoke inhalation. The situation is further compounded by power and communication blackouts. Brittany Thorne, a Northeast Ohio native now residing in Maui, shared her harrowing experience of witnessing the fires’ destruction from her backyard. She revealed the decimation of Maui’s tourism-centric businesses and narrated the loss faced by many, including friends whose homes have been consumed by the flames.
At least six people have died after wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 10, 2023
Richie Olsten, Director of Operations for Air Maui Helicopter, captured the wildfires from his helicopter.
"It was an absolutely heart-wrenching sight," he said.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 pic.twitter.com/IIPEiO18Ud
On Wednesday, the US Coast Guard reported rescuing at least a dozen people who took the drastic measure of jumping into the ocean to escape the engulfing fire. The overall impact on Lahaina and the larger Maui County is yet to be comprehensively assessed, but early reports indicate complete destruction of numerous homes and business structures. Concerns rise as family members search for their loved ones amid the devastation.
The gravity of the situation is evident in President Joe Biden‘s recent announcement, ensuring federal aid to Hawaii during these trying times. With an immediate priority on evacuating around 4,000 tourists stranded on the island, efforts are in motion.
The County of Maui, meanwhile, has advised against travel to Lahaina.
Attributing to the scale of the fires, the National Weather Service identified the influence of Hurricane Dora, which brought with it wind gusts above 60 mph (97 km/h). As Hawaii confronts one of its most challenging times, the focus remains on rescue, recovery, and resilience.
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