2023-08-11 00:50:00
More than 50 people have died in Maui wildfires. Parts of a small town were destroyed. The authorities are calling on vacationers to leave the island belonging to the Hawaiian group.
At least 53 people have died in the severe bush and forest fires on the island of Maui in the US state of Hawaii. This was announced by Governor Josh Green. It is feared that the death toll will continue to rise. In addition, more than 1,000 buildings were destroyed by the flames that are still raging in and around the historic town of Lahaina, Green said. Search and rescue operations continued.
The flames destroyed large parts of the coastal town, which is popular with tourists. The Front Street promenade with numerous shops and restaurants was also affected, as a spokeswoman for the district said. A state of emergency has been declared for the two districts of Maui and Hawaii.
County Administration: People should leave Maui
The station “Hawaii News Now” reported that the fire in Lahaina was still active and out of control. There are also two other large fires on the island that are not under control. Fires also raged on the neighboring island of Hawaii to the east, the largest island in the state of the same name.
Travel to Maui has been discouraged. “This is not a safe place,” Deputy Governor Sylvia Luke warned. The County of Maui called on travelers to get off the island as soon as possible. There are seats available on flights from Kahului Airport in the east of the island. However, travelers would have to call and reserve the airlines beforehand. In West Maui, however, there is still no electricity and no mobile or landline connections.
US President Joe Biden meanwhile promised government help to the state of Hawaii. The National Guard and Navy stand by the response teams. The Department of Transportation will help fly vacationers out of Maui, a statement said. Hawaii’s governor Josh Green spoke of a “terrible disaster”
The coastal city of Lahaina is located northwest of the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Hurricane “Dora” fanning flames
The National Weather Service said Hurricane Dora, which passed a safe distance regarding 800 kilometers south of the Hawaiian island chain, was partly responsible for winds gusting more than 120 kilometers per hour, which fueled the fire, and for power outages. Firefighting helicopters had to stay on the ground because of the strong wind.
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