A wildfire is seen in Maui, Hawaii, U.S., August 8
Lahaina, a historic town located on Maui Island in Hawaii, has been ravaged by raging wildfires intensified by hurricane-force winds on Wednesday. The inferno has caused widespread destruction, leaving the town’s once-charming center nearly reduced to ashes.
According to Brian Schatz, a US senator representing the state, the conflagration has virtually razed Lahaina to the ground. The flames have proven deadly, claiming the lives of at least six individuals in Maui County, as reported on Wednesday.
The catastrophe has overwhelmed Maui’s healthcare system, inundating hospitals with burn victims and individuals suffering from smoke inhalation.
“Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control, and our first responders are in search and rescue mode,” Schatz added.
Residents Flee to Ocean as Flames Advance
In the midst of the chaos, reports emerged early on Wednesday that some residents resorted to leaping into the ocean to escape the rapidly advancing blaze. The US Coast Guard conducted successful rescues, pulling over a dozen people from the waters.
During a press conference, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. confirmed the extensive devastation, revealing that numerous residences and business structures have been completely obliterated. The town’s harbor also fell victim to the flames, with eyewitnesses describing a surreal scene of boats burning, likening it to a scene from a war movie.
Uncertainty Looms as Damage Assessment Continues
Amidst the wreckage, the true scope of the damage remains challenging to ascertain. Officials have cautioned that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue. Approximately 2,100 individuals have been displaced, and concerns are mounting for missing family members.
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In the midst of heart-wrenching uncertainty, one resident in the town Tiare Lawrence expressed her distress, saying, “I still don’t know where my little brother is… I don’t know where my stepdad is.” The devastation is far-reaching, as Lawrence further remarked that everyone she knows in Lahaina has lost their homes to the flames.
Essential Services Disrupted; Thousands Left Without Power
The calamity has disrupted essential services, leaving thousands without power and cell phone coverage. Emergency services in West Maui, including 911, were impacted on Wednesday. Maui finds itself grappling with three large fires that remain uncontained and continue to rage across the island.
The neighboring island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is not spared from the inferno’s grasp. Hurricane Dora played a role in fanning the flames, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph (97 k/h) and low humidity levels exacerbating the situation.
Federal Assistance Extended
President Joe Biden released a statement detailing federal assistance extended to Hawaii as it battles the wildfires and works towards rescue operations. The Department of Transportation is coordinating the evacuation of approximately 4,000 visitors from Maui. Roads into Lahaina are closed to all but emergency vehicles, with authorities urging people to stay away due to the hazardous conditions.
Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke emphasized the perilous situation, stating, “This is not a safe place to be.” Overwhelmed shelters and strained resources add to the challenges faced by certain areas of Maui.
Lahaina, with its rich historical significance dating back to the 1700s, stands in ruins. The heartache is profound as this iconic town, once listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, grapples with the aftermath of a disaster that has left its mark on history.
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