Like a Bomb Went Off: Maui Charred Beyond Recognition, 53 Dead

At least 53 people have died in the devastating wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Thursday, with authorities saying the death toll is expected to rise further. The inferno razed Lahaina, the resort town, to the ground – the worst natural disaster in the island state’s history.

The wildfire started on Tuesday, spread fast from the bush outside of town and consumed everything in its path, destroying the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina. Officials said the wildfires were driven by strong winds from a hurricane passing far to the south of the island chain, which raced through the capital and other parts of Lahaina on Tuesday night. This is said to be the deadliest fire since the 2018 Camp Fire in California.

Governor Josh Green said thousands of people have been left homeless. He compared it to a bomb blast, the entire town has to be rebuilt taking many years and billions of dollars. Green said the landmarks have been charred beyond recognition; the historic Lahaina flyover, which was a vibrant vision of color, has been reduced to gray ash. What remains is only blackened foundations and rubble.

“Lahaina, with a few rare exceptions, has been burned down. More than 1,000 structures were destroyed by fires that were still burning,” Green told a news conference. “We are heartsick. It’s going to take many years to rebuild Lahaina. It will be a new Lahaina that Maui builds in its own image with its own values.”

Adam Weintraub, a spokesperson for Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said they are still in life preservation mode, with search and rescue being a primary concern. He said search and rescue teams still won’t be able to reach certain areas until the fire lines are secure and access is safe. According to the agency, there are six fires blazing in Maui and the Big Island as of August 10.

Keep Reading

Meanwhile, Hollywood stars Jason Momoa, Carlos PenaVega, Alexa PenaVega and Olivia Wilde are trying to help the people of Hawaii. The Aquaman actor, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, took to Instagram to share the loss. “We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and o’hana on Maui who have been impacted by the recent wildfires.”

Carlos and wife Alexa Penavega, who relocated to Maui from Los Angeles in 2017, said many of their friends and family members have lost their homes. “It’s been really hard watching it from the side. From what we’ve been hearing from the people on the ground, whatever you’re seeing in photos and pictures don’t compare to what’s happening.”

The coup will head to Hawaii in the next few days to help rebuild. Carlos said he doesn’t even know if their house still exists. “Honestly, it doesn’t even matter. I am so focused on the people of Maui, especially Lahaina because it’s gone.”

Jasmine C.

Mabuhay! An upcoming Newswriter for the Asian Affairs from the Pearl of the Orient - Philippines. Avid follower of celebrity gossips, fashion news. I got into writing so that my fellow Kababayan will be constantly updated with the latest news.

Recent Posts

Korea and UAE Forge New Paths in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs)

With an eye toward healthcare and biotechnology especially, the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have lately…

November 5, 2024

Netflix Becomes a Surprising Hub for Shojo Anime Fans

Long prized for its romantic themes, nuanced characters, and emphasis on personal development, shojo anime has become an unexpected Netflix…

November 5, 2024

Indonesia Extends Sales Ban to Google Pixel Following Non-Compliance with Investment Requirements

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has implemented a ban on the sale of Google Pixel phones within the country, adding to…

November 4, 2024

One Piece Unveils Revamped Fish-Man Island Saga with New Opening Theme as Anime Prepares for 2025 Return

One Piece offers a new take of the legendary Fish-Man Island arc, so fans are in for a nostalgic trip…

November 4, 2024

Johor to Pioneer Premium Salaries for Skilled Workers as Malaysia’s First State Initiative under Johor-Singapore SEZ

Particularly in areas related to the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor is poised to become the first state…

November 4, 2024

China-Japan Diplomatic Groundwork Laid Ahead of Anticipated Xi-Ishiba Summit in South America

China and Japan are getting ready for what would be a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and freshly…

November 4, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More