Wildfires rapidly spreading across the U.S. vacation hotspot of Hawaii have tragically taken 36 lives, with Maui being the most affected island. On Thursday, urgent evacuation measures were in place.
High winds from a nearby hurricane exacerbated brushfires on Maui’s west coast. These fires ignited on Tuesday and swiftly consumed the coastal town of Lahaina. Due to the intensity and speed of the fires, some residents were compelled to seek refuge in the ocean.
President Joe Biden has designated the wildfires a “major disaster, ” releasing federal funds for assistance. With the gravity of the situation, locals express concerns about the long-term recovery of Lahaina and are urging the president to proclaim a climate change-related national emergency. This move would provide further administrative tools to address the situation.
Aja Kirksey, a US Coast Guard commander, informed CNN that preliminary data suggested nearly 100 individuals had to dive into the water to escape the flames. Rescue helicopters dispatched to the region encountered limited visibility due to heavy smoke. Despite the conditions, a Coast Guard ship successfully rescued over 50 people from the water.
The death toll currently stands at 36, but this number is anticipated to climb as rescue efforts persist.
Evacuation efforts are in full swing in Maui, with additional flight operations planned at Kahului, the primary airport. Maui authorities advise visitors to depart promptly and arrange transportation to aid evacuees in reaching the airport from shelters.
