At least 36 dead in Hawaii wildfires, tourists evacuated
Devastating wildfires have wreaked havoc on the town of Lahaina in Hawaii. The fast-moving fires have tragically claimed the lives of at least 36 individuals in the popular tourist destination. Rescue operations are currently underway to evacuate more people from the worst-hit island of Maui.
Brushfires broke out on Maui’s west coast on Tuesday, fueled by strong winds from a nearby hurricane. These fires quickly spread and engulfed the picturesque seaside town of Lahaina. The situation became so dire that many residents had to seek refuge in the ocean to escape the flames.
President Joe Biden has officially declared the wildfires a “major disaster” and has unlocked federal aid to support relief efforts. However, residents are expressing concerns about the inadequate assistance and fear that the town will take years to recover.
The US Coast Guard, led by Commander Aja Kirksey, reported that around 100 individuals had to enter the water to save themselves from the rapidly developing scene. Helicopters faced challenges due to low visibility caused by smoke, but a Coast Guard vessel successfully rescued over 50 people from the water.
Kekoa Lansford, a resident of Lahaina, expressed disappointment in the official response, claiming that they are working tirelessly to save lives but not receiving the support they need.
Aerial photographs of Lahaina, which held historical significance as the Hawaiian kingdom’s capital in the 19th century, reveal the devastation with entire blocks reduced to ashes. As search efforts continue, the death toll is expected to rise beyond the confirmed 36 casualties.
Mayor Richard Bissen posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, expressing grief and solidarity with the community. He emphasized the need for resilience and aloha as they rebuild from this tragic event.
Evacuations are currently underway, with thousands of people being relocated from Maui. Additional flights have been arranged from Kahului, the main airport, to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. The county authorities are urging visitors to leave as soon as possible and organizing buses to transport evacuees from shelters to the airport.
A first responder who witnessed the aftermath described a scene of utter devastation, stating that everything in Lahaina has been reduced to rubble. The extent of the destruction leaves little hope for survivors.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has cut short his trip to address the crisis, while President Biden has promptly declared a “major disaster” and authorized federal emergency aid to support individuals and local governments in Hawaii.
In addition to the wildfires on Maui, fires also broke out on Hawaii’s Big Island, but evacuation orders have since been lifted. Hawaii’s tourism chief, Jimmy Tokioka, acknowledges the tragedy but emphasizes that the rest of Hawaii remains open for visitors.
The wildfires in Hawaii are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events occurring in North America this summer. Record-breaking wildfires are still raging across Canada, and a severe heat wave has swept across the US southwest.
Thomas Smith, a professor at the London School of Economics, notes that while wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, this year’s blazes are larger in scale and exhibit extreme fire behavior, characterized by rapid spread rates and towering flames.
As temperatures continue to rise globally, heatwaves are projected to become more frequent. Changing rainfall patterns, leading to increased dryness, create ideal conditions for bushfires and forest fires.
Some are urging President Biden to declare a national emergency related to climate change, granting authorities additional powers to address the crisis. When asked about the president’s perspective on the issue, White House official John Kirby stated that a decision has not been made but emphasized the seriousness with which the administration is treating the climate crisis.
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
