By Gareth Evans
Maui, an island in Hawaii, has seen its population decimated by a series of fast-moving fires. At least 36 people have died.
Lahaina is the main tourist attraction on Lahaina Island. A hurricane far away caused fires to spread.
Multiple fires have destroyed whole neighbourhoods.
The state of emergency was declared after thousands of people were forced to leave their homes.
In the middle of an enormous search and rescue effort, some people are still missing.
The Associated Press reports that Kamuela Kawaakoa, his son of six years old and their daughter barely managed to make it to an emergency shelter on Tuesday.
He said, “I watched helplessly as my city burned to ashes.” I was helpless.
Maui opened five shelters for evacuation and the officials claim that they have been “overrun” by residents. Visitors are advised to avoid the island, which is popular as a tourist destination.
Reporters were told by Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke that “this is not a place where you can feel safe.” Our resources are being taxed.
Helicopters continue to drop water on active fires.
On the west side of the island, the only road was open.
Maui County Government issued a late-Wednesday statement stating that 36 deaths had been found in the Lahaina Fire.
Fires started on Tuesday and have injured dozens. The hospitals on the island treat burn victims and those who have inhaled smoke.
Video shows fire raging through Lahaina, a beachfront city resort.
I’ve never witnessed anything so horrific. Lahaina is completely charred. Mason Jarvi, a Reuters reporter said: “It’s an apocalypse.”
Jarvi was burned after riding through flames on his bicycle to rescue his dog.
A fire earlier forced some people to dive into the harbour to escape smoke and flames. Officials said that 14 people were saved after they jumped in.
Senior education officials said that they are preparing to lose a 100-year-old elementary in Lahaina.
On Wednesday, the strong winds brought by Hurricane Dora passed, and allowed pilots to assess all damage.
Images taken from the air show piles of rubble and burned cars. Smoke rises above them.
Richard Olsten, a helicopter pilot who has been flying here for 52 years told Associated Press that he had never witnessed anything as dramatic. There were tears in both of our eyes.
Climate change will likely fuel wildfires by a hot and dry climate.
The global temperature has already increased by 1.2C in the last century. This trend will continue unless governments reduce emissions drastically.
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