Wildfire roars through Hawaii’s historic Lahaina
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At least 36 people have died and 11,000 have been evacuated, as wildfires devastate the historic town of Lahaina in Hawaii.
Fanned by winds from a faraway hurricane, multiple neighbourhoods have been burned to the ground.
Thousands were told to evacuate as officials confirmed widespread devastation to Lahaina, its harbour and surrounding areas.
Once bustling with people, now the streets are populated with burnt-out cars. Adults and children were forced to dive into the ocean, seeking safety as flames ravaged through the night.
Flyovers conducted by the US Civil Air Patrol and the Maui Fire Department reported that approximately 271 structures were damaged or destroyed.
“We just had the worst disaster I’ve ever seen. All of Lahaina is burnt to a crisp. It’s like an apocalypse,” said Lahaina resident Mason Jarvi.
Helicopter pilot Richard Olsten told Hawaii News Now: “It’s like an area was bombed. It’s like a war zone.”
Voices: I saw houses being washed away in Alaska. Stop the victim blaming
“In Maui, hurricane-fueled fires have resulted in dozens of deaths, people missing, and communities decimated. We should avoid shaming and guilt-tripping people about their choices regarding where they live.”
Summer Koester writes:
Hawaiian Airlines offering $19 flights from Maui to Honolulu
In assisting evacuation efforts, Hawaiian Airlines said it would offer seats on a flight from Maui to Honolulu for $19 on Friday.
The airline wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that they were adding additional flights to help bring people out of Maui.
“Seats remain available today through Friday for $19 to facilitate urgent travel from Maui to Honolulu,” Hawaiian Airlines wrote.
Unclear how much of Maui has been burned
Hawaii officials gathered on Thursday to begin assessing the damage and death toll in Maui after wildfires raged through the islands this past week.
Lieutenant governor Sylvia Luke said it was unclear how much has been lost in areas beyond the town of Lahaina, which was hit hard, according to The New York Times.
Maui resident describes sudden evacuation after wildfire spread
A resident of Maui, Hawaii described the hasty evacuation he made after uncontrollable wildfires spread on Tuesday evening.
In an interview with CNN, Jeff Melichar said he was out on a walk on Tuesday when he saw the fire “rapidly approaching” his neighbourhood.
"We had to run back through the neighborhood because we were getting overwhelmed with smoke and embers,” Mr Melichar said.
Residents did not have much time to gather their belongings due to the fire, which was spreading quickly because of strong winds.
“We ran back to the house and had another 10 or 15 minutes before we knew we were going to be overtaken. And at that point, we had to just jump in the car.”
He added: "It was rather traumatic."
How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires
Thousands of Hawaii citizens have been displaced following wildfires that devastated the historic town of Lahaina in Maui.
Multiple neighbourhoods were burned as the fires were fueled by heavy winds blowing from Hurricane Dora, resulting in many being told to evacuate, with some Hawaii residents taking refuge in the ocean to avoid the flames. As of 10 August, at least 36 people have died and 11,000 have been evacuated as a result of the wildfires.
Brittany Miller reports:
New aerial images show destruction of Lahaina
Aerial images taken above the historic town of Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii show the aftermath of the wildfires that burned throughout the town.
Buildings, grass and trees were covered in black soot and ash on Thursday morning – showing how destructive the fires were.
An aerial view shows destroyed homes and buildings that burned to the ground around the harbor and Front Street in the historic Lahaina Town
President Biden offers ‘prayers’ and ‘assets’ to Hawaii
In remarks given on Thursday, President Joe Biden said he had spoken with Hawaii governor Josh Green where he offered all available resources to the state.
Mr Biden said he had a “long” conversation with Mr Green to ensure Hawaii had all federal and state resources it needed in recovery.
“We offer our prayers, not just our prayers but every asset we have will be available,” Mr Biden said.
The President has also ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to “streamline” all requests.
Mr Biden appointed Maona Ngwira to coordinate federal recovery operations.
Wildfires in Hawaii could be the state’s worst natural disaster in decades
Wildfires raging out of control in Hawaii have claimed at least 36 lives, caused large numbers of burn and smoke inhalation injuries, knocked out 911 and cell services, forced residents to escape into the ocean, and destroyed hundreds of homes, officials say.
Bevan Hurley reports:
President Biden issues ‘major disaster’ declaration for Hawaii
President Joe Biden declared the wildfire disaster in Hawaii to be a major disaster on Thursday, allowing for federal funding to become available to the state.
The funding can now be used for individuals to repair their homes or seek loans and for business owners to recover from the disaster.
“Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County, and assistance for emergency protective measures for Hawaii County,” the handout says.
Federal coordinating officer of FEMA Maona Ngwira has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Average area burned in Hawaii has increased 400 per cent in last century
Though the islands of Hawaii are no stranger to some wildfires, the number of fires has increased exponentially over the past century due to human activity and an increase in invasive, flammable grasses, according to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO).
“Nonnative grasslands and shrublands now cover nearly one quarter of Hawaii’s total land area and, together with a warming, drying climate and year round fire season, greatly increase the incidence of larger fires,” the HWMO wrote in a factsheet.
The HWMO estimates the average number of area burned per year in Hawaii has increased 400 per cent over the past century.
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMibmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2NsaW1hdGUtY2hhbmdlL25ld3MvbWF1aS1sYWhhaW5hLWhhd2FpaS1maXJlcy13aWxkZmlyZXMtZXZhY3VhdGlvbi1iMjM5MDYxNC5odG1s0gEA?oc=5
2023-08-10 20:58:16Z
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