UNITED STATES. Maui: On Wednesday night, a wildfire tore through the centre of Maui, an island in Hawaii, leaving much of a historic town in ashes and prompting many to jump into the ocean to escape the flames. At least six individuals were killed, dozens were injured, and 271 structures were destroyed or damaged.
The fires persisted into Wednesday afternoon, driven by the powerful winds from Hurricane Dora, which was located south of the Hawaiian Islands. Authorities held concerns that the number of casualties might increase.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen stated that today is a truly sad day and that any loss of life is tragic. As we mourn with their families, we send prayers for comfort during this difficult time, the Mayor added.
With the winds subsiding to some extent, certain aircraft were able to resume their flights, allowing pilots to observe the complete extent of the destruction.
Flyovers conducted by the U.S. Civil Air Patrol and the Maui Fire Department over the coastal town of Lahaina revealed the full scale of the devastation, as explained by Mahina Martin, a spokesperson for Maui Nation.
Aerial footage from Lahaina showed scores of homes and businesses destroyed, including those on Front Street, where visitors gathered to eat and shop. The harbour was full of burned-out boats and enormous stacks of burning debris surrounding the leafless skeletons of scorched trees.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke emphasised the devastating impact of the flames, stating that entire communities had been destroyed, and she urged travellers to avoid the area, asserting, “This is not a safe place to be.”
Maui authorities called on visitors to vacate Lahaina, with plans for a “mass bus evacuation” to transport people directly to the airport, as mentioned in an update from the county. West Maui continued to be devoid of both cell and landline phone services, as well as electricity, as confirmed by the county.
Although the precise origin of the fire could not be ascertained, multiple elements such as strong winds, low humidity, and parched vegetation likely played a role, according to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, adjutant general for the Hawaii State Department of Defence.
Additionally, experts noted that the growing impact of climate change is enhancing the probability of encountering heightened extreme weather conditions.
Due in major part to rising temperatures, climate change is causing an increase in vegetation dryness in many parts of the world, as per Erica Fleishman, the director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute at Oregon State University.
The Lahaina town centre, which dates to the 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was struck by the wind-driven fire as it surged into the region with astonishing speed and ferocity, tearing through crossroads and leaping across wooden structures.
Firefighting crews were actively engaged in tackling three separate fires in Maui: one in Lahaina, another in the Kihei area of south Maui, and a third in the mountainous Upcountry region, as indicated by Maui County spokesperson Mahina Martin.
Within the Upcountry area of Kula, a fire that spread across approximately 1.7 square miles (4.5 square kilometres) resulted in the destruction of at least two residences on Tuesday, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr.
Mayor Mitch Roth stated on Wednesday that three wildfires on Hawaii’s Big Island hadn’t caused any injuries or property losses, although firefighters did manage to put out a few roof fires.
The gusts exceeding 60 mph (97 kph), which disrupted power, shook homes, and prevented firefighting helicopters from operating on Maui, were partly due to Hurricane Dora passing safely about 500 miles (805 kilometres) to the south of the island chain, according to the National Weather Service.
14 people, including two children, were saved by the Coast Guard on Tuesday after they went into the ocean to flee a fire and smokey conditions.
Tragically, six people lost their lives due to the fires on Maui, and the ongoing search and rescue operations could potentially uncover more casualties.
Six patients were airlifted from Maui to Oahu, with three of them suffering critical burns and being transported to Straub Medical Centre’s burn unit. The remaining patients were admitted to various hospitals in Honolulu. Additionally, around 20 patients were taken to Maui Memorial Medical Centre.
Earlier on Wednesday, officials reported that a Maui firefighter had been hospitalised in stable condition due to smoke inhalation.
Luke, on behalf of Governor Josh Green, who is currently travelling, issued an emergency proclamation and enlisted the Hawaii National Guard’s help.
“Certain parts of Maui have shelters that are overrun. We have resources that are being taxed,” Luke added.
On Wednesday night, President Joe Biden stated in a statement that he has directed “all available federal assets” to assist Hawaii. The Marines are providing Black Hawk helicopters to combat the fires, the president stated, while the Coast Guard and Navy are aiding in response and rescue efforts.
While an exact count of evacuees isn’t available, around 2,100 individuals are being accommodated in four open shelters.
Kahului Airport, Maui’s main airport, is providing shelter to 2,000 travellers affected by flight cancellations or recent arrivals. Authorities are also preparing the Hawaii Convention Centre in Honolulu to accommodate up to 4,000 displaced tourists and locals.
James Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, stated that “local people have lost everything. They’ve lost their house, and they’ve lost their animals.”
Also Read: Peak of Summer’s Third Heatwave: Spain Swelters in Scorching Temperatures
