Wildfires have swept through parts of the Hawaiian island of Maui, claiming at least 36 lives. The fires, fanned by strong winds, raced through the historic town of Lahaina in West Maui, necessitating large-scale evacuations.
Maui County confirmed the fatalities following the blaze that devastated the area. Mayor Richard Bissen Jr expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the main focus was now on saving lives.
Acting governor Sylvia Luke declared a state of emergency and urged people to avoid travel to the island due to safety concerns.
As the winds subsided slightly, some aircraft resumed flights, allowing pilots to assess the extent of the destruction. Aerial footage revealed the aftermath of the devastation, with numerous homes, businesses, and structures reduced to rubble.
Many structures have suffered damage or destruction, according to Lahaina officials. The historic town, with roots tracing back to the 1700s and once the capital of Hawaii.
US President Joe Biden extended his deepest condolences and assured the people of Hawaii that federal resources were mobilized to aid in the response efforts. He urged residents to follow evacuation orders, respect instructions from first responders, and stay vigilant.
The blaze’s exact cause remains undetermined, but factors like high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation likely contributed. Experts have pointed to climate change as a factor in intensifying extreme weather patterns, with hotter temperatures increasing vegetation dryness.
While West Maui was closed to tourists due to the wildfires, authorities emphasized that the state of Hawaii remained open, offering available accommodations on the Big Island for those seeking to travel.
