International
Thousands Left Homeless, Many Missing As Wildfires Kill More Than 80
Eko Hot Blog reports that the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, United States (US), have killed at least 80 people, according to the Maui County government confirms.
“Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui,” the release said. “The number of fatalities is at 80.”
The Lahaina fire, which has been burning for a week, is Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster in state history, surpassing the 61 confirmed deaths from a tsunami in Hilo in 1960.
Crews have not yet searched the inside of most of the burned buildings, specifically structures in the hard-hit city of Lahaina, officials said, suggesting the death toll could be higher. The county on Friday said the fire in Lahaina was 85% contained.
After allowing Lahaina residents to briefly return to the devastated town Friday, Maui Police abruptly shut down the main road into Lahaina just before 4 p.m. local time.
The Maui Police Department said the closure was “effective immediately,” according to a Facebook post.
CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now reported residents disregarded access rules within Lahaina, leading law enforcement to shut down entry. Local media reports showed the roadway congested, as officers redirected vehicles.
People walk along Main Street past wildfire damage on August 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii (Photo: Rick Bowmer)
Law enforcement began allowing members of the public past road blocks to check on property only hours earlier. It remains unclear when public traffic will be restored.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez announced that she will spearhead a “comprehensive review” of decisions made by officials in response to the fires.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who authorized the review, said an organized response was hampered by power outages and damage to the phone network.
Search and rescue teams with cadaver dogs from California and Washington are in Maui to assist, according to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The federal government has released enough food and water to support 5,000 people for five days, the White House said. Hawaii County has created a task force to support Maui, including helping people find housing, Mayor Mitch Roth said.
Why the fires have been so hard to contain
Drought worsened in Hawaii over the past week, leading to fire spread, according to the US Drought Monitor released Thursday.
High winds from Hurricane Dora 500 miles south of Hawaii coupled with low humidity levels produced “dangerous fire weather conditions” through Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said.
Invasive grasses and shrubs also become highly flammable in the dry season, scientists said.
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