A devastating forest fire has wreaked havoc in Maui County, leaving destruction in its wake and causing urgent evacuations as the flames continue to rage.
At least 36 lives have been tragically lost in the midst of this unfolding disaster.
Local officials are grappling with the scale of the inferno, with reports from Mahina Martin, chief of communications and public affairs in Maui County, stating that the fires in multiple areas are “not contained in any fashion.”
![An aerial view of damaged areas amidst wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, on August 9, 2023, in this screenshot taken from a social media video.[Photo/CNN]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e40cfcc7-a32d-4879-a405-7cd52a003a33_1-1200x674.webp)
This dire devastating situation has led to the urgent evacuation of both residential and commercial districts. Mahina Martin emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “We are certainly facing an all hands on deck (situation)… We’re most concerned with the western side of the island.”
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The speed at which this disaster unfolded left many residents with little time to prepare.
Speaking to CNN, Alan Dickar, a Lahaina resident, described the chaos as the fire engulfed the town, “One of my houses definitely caught fire… I did not see them burn, but I recognize there is a very good chance that they are not there anymore.”
![People evacuated from the devastating fires take refuge in a an emergency shelter. [Photo/Courtesy]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e18af9f4-df34-4072-9e39-a6fa3f2b88b4-1200x675.webp)
Claire Kent, another resident, shared the harrowing experience, “It happened so fast… within half an hour, we were out the door.”
Efforts to combat the blaze have seen the deployment of Hawaii National Guard members and assistance from the US military. Military helicopters have been actively involved in firefighting and search and rescue operations.
The wildfires have not only claimed lives but have also devastated structures, including homes and businesses, prompting thousands of residents to be displaced.
![An aerial view shows damage along the coast of Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, on August 9, 2023 in this screen grab obtained from social media video.[Photo/CNN]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e2c01f57-74dc-4603-ab06-6ed7e482d2b6_1-1200x675.webp)
Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke acknowledged the long road ahead, stating, “The road to recovery will be long… We need to figure out a way to help a lot of people in the next several years.”
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President Joe Biden has been monitoring the situation closely, and although the White House has been in contact with state and local officials, no formal statement has been made regarding additional federal aid.
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