Topline
At least 36 people have been killed in the the wildfires that have engulfed Hawaii’s second-biggest island Maui, local authorities said early Thursday, as reports suggest the historic town of Lahaina—the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom—has almost entirely been destroyed in the blaze.
Key Facts
Maui County announced the revised death toll in a statement, adding that firefighting efforts are still continuing.
Earlier Wednesday, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said several homes and businesses on the island had been destroyed and at least a dozen people had to be rescued, as winds from Hurricane Dora complicated firefighting efforts.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) tweeted that Lahaina Town had “almost totally burnt to the ground” while satellite photos shared by Maxar showed the scope of the devastation.
At least 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed in Lahaina, including several historic buildings.
More than 100 Maui firefighters are battling “spot fires” around Lahaina and they have requested 20 additional personnel from Honolulu.
As the island battles the blaze and its fallout, visitors have been asked to leave Maui immediately.
Big Number
2,100. That is the total number of people that are being housed in emergency shelters set up across Maui.
Crucial Quote
In a statement released by the White House, President Joe Biden said: “Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the wildfires in Maui, and our prayers are with those who have seen their homes, businesses, and communities destroyed…I have ordered all available Federal assets on the Islands to help with response.” Biden noted that the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy are assisting with rescue efforts while the Army’s helicopters are aiding fire fighting efforts.
Further Reading
Six Dead In Hawaii As Hurricane Winds Spur Wildfires Across Maui (Forbes)