The wildfire that broke out in West and South Maui on Tuesday night has caused widespread damage and distress. The situation is so dire that certain areas have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders. The tragedy has taken a tremendous toll, with county reports indicating that at least 36 individuals have lost their lives.
It is a difficult time for the people of Maui, and we hope that the situation will soon be brought under control. Read more to know about the disastrous event in detail below!
What Is Happening in Maui, Hawaii?
A devastating hurricane-fueled fire has wreaked havoc on several neighborhoods, causing widespread damage in Lahaina. The severity of the situation has forced officials to order thousands of residents to evacuate immediately.
The harbor and surrounding areas have also been impacted by the destructive blaze, adding to the overall devastation of the affected communities.
After a raging fire, the streets are now filled with burnt-out cars and people forced to seek safety in the ocean. The US Civil Air Patrol and Maui Fire Department conducted flyovers and reported around 271 structures destroyed or damaged.
On Wednesday evening, a group of thirty brave US Army members arrived in Hawaii to provide much-needed assistance in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. After that, the County of Maui announced through a post on their official Facebook page that the Army members would begin their search and recovery operations early Thursday morning.
How Did Maui Fire Start?
Although the exact cause of the wildfire is still undetermined, it is believed that the parched conditions created by the storm were a significant contributing factor to the disaster.
The catastrophic wildfire ravaged the region of Maui as the incident was triggered by the fierce winds that were unleashed by Hurricane Dora, a formidable Category 4 storm that was making its way across the Pacific Ocean, located south of the Hawaiian islands.
The storm’s gusts exceeded 60 mph, wreaking havoc on Maui, damaging homes, and causing power outages during the night.
Late Tuesday night, the County of Maui took to Twitter to report a concerning and widespread bout of fires in Lahaina, West Maui. The fires have since spread and are now affecting the inland Upcountry section of the island, specifically Kula.
Emergency crews are currently battling both brush fires and structure fires in West Maui and in Upcountry areas while residents are evacuating from their homes. The situation remains tense and worrisome as officials work tirelessly to contain the fires and keep the community safe.
Maui Fire Death Toll
It has been officially confirmed that the raging wildfires on Maui Island have tragically claimed the lives of at least 36 individuals. The death toll is steadily rising, as reported by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen during a press conference held on Thursday.
As a result of a wildfire, more than 2,100 people had to take shelter in emergency facilities. Also. the fire has impacted over 270 structures in Lahaina, causing significant damage to historical and cultural sites.
Certain areas have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders, and the Kahului Airport is presently sheltering approximately 1,800 travelers affected by canceled flights and flight arrivals due to the ongoing fires. The fires have had a tragic impact, with county reports indicating that at least 36 individuals have lost their lives so far.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this devastating event.
For more developments on the issue, make sure you check Averagebeing regularly for the latest updates.
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