Wildfires in Maui kill 80, deadliest natural disaster in state history
The death toll from the wildfires in Maui rose to 80 late Friday. The Hawaiian island was again put on edge after a fresh fire risk prompted an evacuation order for a town to the north of Lahaina.
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- The New York Times (@nytimes) August 12, 2023
Starting on August 8th, wildfires swept across Hawaii, mainly on the island of Maui, causing widespread destruction. The historic town of Lāhainā was destroyed. The death count is currently at 80 and expected to rise.
The wildfires were exacerbated by strong gusts of winds as well as climate change which has led to less rainfall and higher temperatures in Hawaii. Parts of Maui are currently in severe drought. Wildfires have quadrupled in Hawaii in recent years.
A state of emergency and federal major disaster were declared. All tourists were asked to leave Maui. It will take years for the island to recover.
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Videos show wildfires burning across parts of Hawaii that have damaged buildings and prompted evacuations. The fires on Maui and the Big Island were driven in part by high winds that were made stronger by Hurricane Dora. https://t.co/YPNjqy7gIG pic.twitter.com/jynEVCOtJC
- The New York Times (@nytimes) August 9, 2023
Before and after images show the scale of the damage in Lahaina, a historic town on Maui's western coast that was ravaged by the deadliest wildfires in Hawaii’s history this week. Recovery is expected to take years, authorities said. https://t.co/c7TkkrhZqi pic.twitter.com/V5GqkrJvI7
- The New York Times (@nytimes) August 11, 2023
Block after block of homes in Lahaina, Hawaii, have burned to their foundations. “It’s a sad, sad place,” said Bill Wyland, a Maui resident who fled the flames on his motorcycle, describing the wildfires’ devastation. https://t.co/VLEvMu0RfD pic.twitter.com/nu5cHYEL7M
- The New York Times (@nytimes) August 11, 2023
Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree appears to have been badly singed by the fires that devastated the west coast of Maui. Though county officials said the roots may still be healthy, it's unclear whether the town’s cherished landmark will survive. https://t.co/nl6ERP5LAd pic.twitter.com/vp8cFbYHOb
- The New York Times (@nytimes) August 11, 2023
Oprah, who lives part-time on Maui, was spotted dropping off supplies and helping out at shelters
Oprah, who has lived on Maui part time for years, was spotted at a local gym-turned-shelter dropping off supplies for displaced Lahaina residents. Other super-wealthy Maui part-timers include Jeff Bezos and PayPal founder Peter Thiel. pic.twitter.com/HSlnnnMecq
- NowThis (@nowthisnews) August 12, 2023
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