Deadly Maui Wildfires Claim 36 Lives
At least 36 people have died as raging wildfires tear through Maui County, Hawaii. Fueled by fierce hurricane winds, the fires have destroyed hundreds of buildings and left parts of the island in ruins.
Thousands Forced to Flee as Emergency Declared
The situation spiralled out of control, forcing thousands of Maui residents to evacuate. A state of emergency is now in effect. Helicopters have been deployed to drop water on the flames as a huge search and rescue mission continues.
Hundreds of Buildings Lost, Death Toll May Rise
A staggering 271 structures have been consumed by the blaze. Scores of people are injured, and officials warn the death toll could climb as more information comes to light.
Thousands Shelter as Flights Grounded
- Over 2,100 evacuees sought refuge in emergency centres on Wednesday night.
- Another 2,000 passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport due to cancelled flights.
- Authorities are preparing the Hawaii Convention Centre in Honolulu to house displaced residents and tourists.
Communication Failures Hamper Rescue Efforts
The crisis worsened as emergency phone lines and communication networks failed, making coordination difficult. Local resident Clint Hansen described desperate scenes in Lahaina, where people had to escape flaming areas by plunging into the ocean. The Coast Guard and local boat owners heroically stepped in to rescue those trapped by the inferno.
