A devastating wildfire that swept through a historic Hawaiian town, leaving it in ruins, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 53 lives. It is marked as one of the deadliest disasters in the history of Hawaii. The wildfire was ignited on the west coast of Maui island due to brushfires. The strong winds from an adjacent hurricane further fueled the waves. The flames, beginning on Tuesday, rapidly engulfed the picturesque seaside town of Lahaina.
The rapid advancement of the fire’s spread caught numerous residents by surprise, resulting in some becoming stranded in the streets. Others resorted to leaping into the ocean in desperate efforts to flee the raging inferno.
Governor Josh Green referred to the fire as “catastrophic” and possibly “the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history.” He compared the situation to a tragic incident in 1960 when a substantial wave hit the Big Island, resulting in 61 fatalities. However, Governor Green anticipated that the current death toll would likely surpass that number.
As of the latest reports, confirmed fatalities stood at 53, while firefighting efforts persisted in the town, which was the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom in the 19th century.
Aerial photographs captured the extent of the destruction in Lahaina, revealing a landscape of blackened ruins. The skeletal remains of trees towered over the remnants of the structures they once shielded.
Governor Green grimly revealed that approximately 80% of the town had been razed to the ground. He lamented the loss of cherished buildings that had been part of the community for generations.
Biden calls it a ‘major disaster’
The wildfire has rendered thousands homeless, prompting a concerted effort to secure accommodations for those affected. Green outlined a plan to reach out to hotels and the local community to secure extra rooms for the displaced individuals.
In response to the dire situation, US President Joe Biden declared the fires a “major disaster,”. He also extended federal assistance for relief and recovery efforts. The rebuilding process is anticipated to span several years.
