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Authorities in Hawaii report significantly more deaths after the fire inferno – and fear more victims
The coastal town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui lies in rubble after the fire
© Tiffany Kidder Winn/AP
In Hawaii, the devastating consequences of the bush and forest fires are becoming increasingly clear: more than 50 people have died in the flames on the island of Maui. Portions of the historic coastal town of Lahaina were destroyed.
“Probably greatest natural disaster” in Hawaiian history
After touring the burned-out coastal town of Lahaina, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said it was “probably the worst natural disaster” in the history of the US state of Hawaii. Green recalled the year 1960 when a tsunami hit Hawaii. The tidal wave claimed 61 lives at the time. It is “very likely” that the death toll will be higher this time.
The flames had spread so quickly that many people tried to get to safety in the sea. According to the Coast Guard, about 100 people jumped into the water. A Coast Guard ship was able to rescue more than 50 people from the sea. “We’re still finding bodies in the water and on the boardwalk,” Kekoa Lansford, a Lahaina resident, told CBS. “We pulled people out of the water. We’re trying to save lives, but (…) we’re not getting the help we need,” she complained.
According to Governor Green, around 1,700 buildings were destroyed. The property damage is in the billions. Lahaina will take years to rebuild.
US government promises financial aid
US President Joe Biden pledged government disaster relief to Hawaii. Those affected by the devastating fires should receive financial support from the federal government. Green also appealed to islanders and hotel operators to accommodate those affected. Thousands of people now need shelter. According to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, the west of the island remained without power and water supplies Thursday.
Several fires broke out on Maui and the neighboring island of Hawaii on Tuesday, which were quickly spread by strong winds. According to the authorities, the fire in Lahaina was 80 percent under control by Thursday afternoon.