The death toll has risen to 57 after the devastating wildfires and wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui have risen to 57. The historic town of Lahaina, which is hugely popular with tourists, was particularly hard hit and was literally left in ruins by the fire, aerial photos show (see video above).
Hawaii Governor Josh Green spoke of “probably the biggest natural disaster” in the history of the US state after a tour of the completely burnt-out coastal town. He told CNN that as many as 1,700 buildings may have burned down in Lahaina. According to Green, property damage is in the billions.
Large parts of the picturesque town with about 10,000 inhabitants were destroyed and the port and the surrounding area were also said to have been damaged. Eyewitnesses had reported apocalyptic scenes during the fire in the usually scenic western Maui tourist destination.
Fire 80 percent under control
Several wildfires broke out on Maui Tuesday, which were quickly spread by high winds. Local authorities said the fire in Lahaina was 80 percent under control Thursday afternoon.
Lahaina, on Maui’s northwest coast, was the 19th-century capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and an ancient whaling town. It is visited by about two million tourists every year. People come from all over the world, especially for whale watching. The name means “relentless sun” in the Hawaiian language.
There were also numerous art galleries in downtown Lahaina. The founder of the legendary band Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, ran his Fleetwoods restaurant here. Numerous other celebrities have recently avoided the crowds on the island of Oahu, whose capital is Honolulu, and moved to the island of Maui.
Biden promised emergency aid
U.S. President Joe Biden promised government emergency aid to Hawaii on Thursday. Those affected by the devastating fires should receive financial assistance from the federal government. Governor Green appealed to islanders and hotel operators to take in those affected. Thousands of people now need shelter, he explained.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
