The picturesque town of Lahaina in Hawaii’s Maui County has been left reeling in the wake of devastating wildfires.
Maui wildfires: What’s the latest death toll?
As reported by The Independent, the ferocity of the blaze was intensified by strong winds originating from a distant hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, including at least 36 lives lost.
Historic Lahaina Reduced to Ashes
Once a vibrant and bustling community, Lahaina now stands in ruins. The historic town, known for its charming streets and bustling harbour, has been transformed into a scene of utter devastation.
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As the wildfire raged uncontrollably, residents and visitors alike were forced to flee for their lives.
Maui wildfires latest news
With only one highway remaining accessible, thousands were urged to evacuate the area. In a desperate bid to escape the inferno, adults and children were seen seeking refuge in the ocean, diving into the waters to find safety from the encroaching flames.
Initial assessments conducted from the air by the US Civil Air Patrol and the Maui Fire Department revealed the scale of the devastation.
An astonishing 271 structures were either damaged or completely destroyed by the wildfire’s fury. The scenes witnessed from above were likened to an “apocalypse” by locals, while one helicopter pilot described the aftermath as reminiscent of a “war zone.”
Residents who managed to escape the wildfire’s path are left grappling with the shock and grief of witnessing their beloved town reduced to ruins. Many are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.
Watch: Images and videos show the aftermath of the disaster
As the immediate crisis abates, authorities are turning their attention to investigating the origins of the wildfire and assessing the extent of the damage.
Here are some of the images and videos showing the devastating aftermath of the Maui wildfires:
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Did you know? – Maui has a history of natural disasters
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and the Haleakalā National Park, which features a massive dormant volcano.
While wildfires are not as common in Maui as they are in some other regions, they can still occur and have had significant impacts on the island’s ecosystems and communities.
Here is an overview of Maui’s history and propensity for wildfires, along with some statistics on previous disasters in the region:
Maui’s History and Geography
Maui is a volcanic island formed by the accumulation of lava flows from two major volcanoes: Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains) and Haleakalā (East Maui).
These volcanoes have created a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, grasslands, and coastal areas.
Propensity for Wildfires
While not as prone to wildfires as some mainland areas, Maui is still susceptible to these events, particularly in its drier regions.
Factors contributing to the island’s propensity for wildfires include:
- Dry Conditions: Certain parts of Maui experience dry conditions, especially during the summer months. These conditions can create a higher risk of wildfires.
- Invasive Species: Invasive plant species, such as kiawe (mesquite), can increase the fuel load and facilitate the spread of fires.
- Human Activity: Human activities, such as discarded cigarette butts or campfires left unattended, can trigger wildfires.
- Natural Causes: Lightning strikes can also ignite fires, although they are relatively less common in Hawaii.
Previous Disasters
Here are some statistics on notable wildfire events and other disasters that have affected Maui:
- Maui Fires (Historical Data): Wildfires have occurred on Maui throughout its history, but some significant events include the Maalaea Fire in 2007, which burned over 3 000 acres, and the 2010 fire near Maalaea that burned around 4 700 acres.
- Maui Fires (Recent Data): In 2019, a large wildfire known as the “Maui Fires” or “Central Maui Fire” burned approximately 10 000 acres and prompted evacuations. The fire was a result of a combination of dry conditions, strong winds, and other factors.
- Haleakalā National Park Fires: Haleakalā National Park has also experienced wildfires. For example, in 2007, the Kīpahulu District of the park was closed due to wildfires that burned over 2 600 acres.
- Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: While not directly related to wildfires, Maui has also been affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. These events can lead to flooding, erosion, and other impacts on the island’s landscapes and communities.
