Apocalyptic aerial images reveal the devastating aftermath of the Maui “fire hurricane” that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and claimed at least 96 lives. The fire, fueled by strong winds, rapidly consumed much of the town, leaving residents to flee on foot without warning. Firefighters continue to battle flare-ups and search for victims, while hundreds of people remain unaccounted for. Hawaii’s governor has warned that the death toll could rise significantly. Questions are being raised about the failure of the state’s emergency warning systems to alert residents of the approaching disaster. By Chris Jewers reported
Shocking aerial images have revealed the devastating impact of the deadly “fire hurricane” that swept through the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, rapidly destroyed much of the town, resulting in at least 96 deaths. However, Hawaii’s governor has warned that the death toll could rise significantly. The fire, which started on Tuesday and Wednesday, caught residents off guard as they received no alert from the state’s emergency warning systems. Over the weekend, firefighters continued to battle flare-ups, while cadaver dogs searched for victims in the charred remains of the town. The destruction caused by the fire is immense, with hundreds of people still unaccounted for and large areas of Lahaina yet to be searched. The Maui police chief reported that only three percent of the town has been searched so far. The fire has been labeled as the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s history, surpassing the 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. It is also the deadliest wildfire in the United States since 1918. The failure of the early warning systems has caused anger among survivors and officials, leading to a comprehensive review of the response to the disaster. As the true scale of the tragedy becomes apparent, residents are grappling with the loss of their homes and loved ones. Many have turned to church services for solace and hope. Despite the devastation, there is determination to rebuild and restore Lahaina. The governor has pledged to support those affected and focus on reuniting families and providing housing and healthcare..