Hawaii: The tragic situation in Hawaii continues to worsen as the death toll from the wildfires has risen to 50. The Maui County authorities confirmed an additional 17 fatalities amid the ongoing efforts to combat the active Lahaina fire. This grim update brings the total number of fatalities to 53 people, as reported by The Guardian.
Emergency crews are tirelessly working on mass evacuations and conducting desperate searches for survivors. Displaced residents are grappling with the reality of extensive destruction, particularly in the historically significant community of Lahaina.
Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, lamented the devastating impact on Lahaina, stating that with few exceptions, the town has been largely consumed by the flames.
In response to the dire situation, US President Joe Biden authorized a disaster declaration for Maui. This declaration will enable federal assistance to be utilized for local recovery efforts in the wildfire-affected areas. President Biden pledged immediate help for those who have lost loved ones or whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.
The catastrophe unfolded when fire rapidly engulfed Lahaina, a town inhabited by around 13,000 residents. Strong winds propelled a vegetation-originated blaze into the heart of the urban area on Tuesday night, as detailed in The Guardian’s report.
