Wildfires have ravaged parts of Maui, Hawaii, resulting in the loss of at least 36 lives and the destruction of a historic coastal town.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora passed south of the islands, but the storm's strong pressure gradient and dry weather conditions created gusty winds of up to 60 mph, fueling the spread of the fires across multiple islands, including Maui.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported that fires were still affecting Lahaina, Kihei, and Upcountry Maui, as well as the Mauna Kea Resort area on Hawaii Island. However, the islands of Kauai, Lanai, and Oahu remain unaffected.
As of late Wednesday, Maui County confirmed 36 fatalities, with officials warning that the death toll could rise. Lahaina, one of the hardest-hit areas, has been left in ruins, with homes and businesses reduced to ash. The town's historic district has been completely destroyed, leaving only the skeletal remains of buildings.
Air Maui helicopter pilot Richie Olsten described the devastation, saying, "It looked like a war zone, like an area that had just been bombed. So many people, hundreds of homes burned to the ground. People displaced, the whole Front Street of Lahaina... The businesses, the historic area, burned to the ground. Gone."
Senator Brian Schatz expressed his concern on Twitter, stating, "Lahaina Town on Maui is almost totally burnt to the ground. Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control, and our first responders are in search and rescue mode."
Disturbing footage captured by a plane passenger shows the extent of the destruction, with Lahaina's coastline littered with burnt-out vehicles and streets covered in ash.
The Coast Guard has rescued dozens of people who jumped into the ocean to escape the flames. Captain Aja L. Kirksey, Sector Commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, expressed condolences to the affected communities and emphasized the collaboration between agencies to ensure responder and public safety.
Governor Josh Green's office reported that over 2,000 acres of state and private land have been scorched by the fires. Around 100 Maui firefighters, including 11 from state airport firefighting and rescue personnel, have been tirelessly battling the flames.
Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke urged residents to prioritize their safety, stating, "This is not a safe place to be... We have shelters that are overrun. We have resources that are being taxed. We are doing whatever we can, and the state is providing support to both Maui and the Big Island."
Shelters for displaced citizens are operating at full capacity, with Kahului Airport on Maui providing refuge for approximately 2,000 stranded visitors. The Associated Press reported that 11,000 visitors managed to leave Maui on Wednesday.
As of Thursday morning, Maui County had opened additional emergency evacuation shelters at King's Cathedral Maui and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kahului. Thousands of residents and visitors have been evacuated, and multiple roads have been closed.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. expressed his condolences and emphasized the community's resilience, saying, "We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time... In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a 'kaiaulu,' or community, as we rebuild with resilience and aloha."
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