A destructive wildfire has swept through the resort town of Lahaina on Hawaii’s Maui island, leaving at least 36 people dead and causing widespread destruction. It has been fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation and has isolated Lahaina from escape routes by cutting off major roads.
Lahaina is the historic former capital of Hawaii and draws almost 80% of the island’s 2 million annual visitors, reported News24.
The wildfires in Maui echo similar events worldwide, where climate change-driven wildfires have displaced communities and destroyed various regions.
Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke has addressed the recovery ahead as firefighters battle three separate wildfires on Maui, and damage assessment continues.
Over 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and about 11,000 homes and businesses are without power. The fires spread rapidly through densely populated areas, prompting some individuals to seek refuge in the Pacific Ocean and thousands more to evacuate to other parts of the island.
Multiple agencies, including the US Navy, the National Guard, the Coast Guard, and the Marines, have all been involved in evacuation efforts. President Joe Biden said that the US Department of Transportation is helping evacuation efforts, too.
Pictures: Alamy
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