NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTUNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Maui fire: Death toll jumps to 36 after devastating blaze
1 hour ago1 hour ago
Thousands of people have been evacuated as authorities rush to tame fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Hurricane Dora fueled the wildfire, while power outages impeded rescue operations.
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A wildfire burns on the island of Maui near a road intersection
The fire forced several people to jump into the oceanImage: Zeke Kalua/County of Maui//REUTERS
An intense wildfire broke out on Hawaii’s Maui island on Wednesday, ravaging much of the historic city of Lahaina and killing at least 36 people, according to a press statement.
Dozens were left injured as they made desperate attempts to flee the flames and over 270 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed, officials said.
“I’m sad to report that just before coming on this, it was confirmed we’ve had six fatalities,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said as he addressed the media.
“Much of Lahaina on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced,” Governor Josh Green of the 12,000-resident historic town said.
Rescue operations underway in Hawaii
At least 12 people with severe burns have been taken to hospitals for treatment, with two of the victims in critical condition.
Officials are yet to complete their assessment of damage and rescue workers are continuing the relief work.
“We are still in a search-and-rescue mode and so I don’t know what will happen to that number, ” Bissen said.
Two children walking facing towards fire at the end of the street Two children walking facing towards fire at the end of the street
Thousands of people has to be evacuated from the Maui islandImage: Alan Dickar/AP/dpa/picture alliance
Power outages and disruptions in telephone services further aggravated the situation as they impeded evacuation efforts. Communication with the west side of Maui was only available via satellite, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke said.
The smoke and flames rising from the fire forced thousands to evacuate and some people to flee into the sea.
The Coast Guard confirmed it had “successfully rescued 12 individuals from the waters off Lahaina” and it was sending more ships to Maui.
US President Joe Biden shared his condolences and in a statement said that he has ordered “all available Federal assets on the Islands to help with response.”
Hurricane Dora exacerbated Maui fire
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora could be blamed for the rushing wind which fanned the flames.
The storm was passing to the south of the island at a safe distance of 500 miles (805 kilometers).
Sylvia Luke, the state’s lieutenant governor, said the fires have burned hundreds of acres and were being fanned by winds up to 80 miles per hour.
Officials had issued a weather service wind advisory which was in effect until Thursday morning.
At least six dead as fires tear across Maui, Hawaii
02:46
mfa/sms (AFP, AP, Reuters)
