The island of Maui in Hawaii has been devastated by deadly wildfires that have caused widespread destruction and loss of life.[0] The fires, which were fueled by dry conditions and strong winds from a passing hurricane, have killed at least 53 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings.[1] The town of Lahaina, a historic area that served as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820 to 1845, has been particularly hard-hit, with much of it being destroyed.[2]
The wildfires have had a significant impact on tourism in the area.[3] The Hawaii Tourism Authority has asked all non-essential visitors to depart the island of Maui, and non-essential travel to the entire island is strongly discouraged.[3] Visitors with travel plans to other parts of Maui and the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaii are advised to contact their hotels for guidance on whether their properties will be open.[4] The tourism board recommends that visitors with plans to West Maui consider rescheduling their travel for a later time.[0]
In response to the devastation, President Joe Biden has approved a federal disaster declaration for Hawaii, making federal funding available to aid in the recovery efforts.[5] The U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Marines have sent helicopters and other resources to assist with firefighting and search and rescue operations.[0] The state government and various organizations have also set up relief funds to help those affected by the fires, and donations are being accepted online and by mail.
The loss caused by the wildfires is immense, with hundreds of structures damaged or destroyed and the historic town of Lahaina left in ruins. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is expected to be one of the worst natural disasters in the state's history. The impact on the community and the psychological toll on residents cannot be measured.
As the recovery efforts continue, it is important for individuals and organizations to come together to support those affected by the wildfires. Donations to relief funds can help provide resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The focus now is on helping residents and communities rebuild and restore their lives after this devastating event.[4]
0. “Biden declares Hawaii wildfires a major disaster” POLITICO, 10 Aug. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/10/maui-fire-hawaii-biden-00110692
1. “Video roundup: Hawaii wildfires kill at least 36, decimate historic city” WCVB Boston, 10 Aug. 2023, https://www.wcvb.com/article/videos-hawaii-wildfires/44785174
2. “What caused the deadly Hawai'i wildfires? ยป Yale Climate Connections” Yale Climate Connections, 10 Aug. 2023, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/08/what-caused-the-deadly-hawaii-wildfires/
3. “Maui Fire: Major Airlines Send Planes For Mass Evacuation Efforts” Forbes, 10 Aug. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/08/10/maui-fire-major-airlines-send-planes–for-mass-evacuation-efforts/
4. “Hawaii Asks All Visitors To Leave Maui” Beat of Hawaii, 10 Aug. 2023, https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-asks-all-visitors-to-leave-maui
5. “How to help those affected by the Maui wildfires” CBS News, 10 Aug. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-help-maui-wildfire-victims-donations
