Fire disaster in Hawaii: many dead
The flames on the island of Maui cannot be controlled due to the intensifying effect of Hurricane Dora.
The area was brought to a standstill due to fires and power outages. As search and rescue efforts continue, it was warned that the loss of life could increase.
The island of Maui, one of the most famous tourist areas in Hawaii, witnessed a terrible fire last night. The flames, which spread rapidly as a result of Hurricane Dora, have so far caused the death of 6 people.
Maui Acting Governor Sylvia Luke issued an emergency declaration while alerting the Hawaii National Guard to the severity of the incident. Power outages are experienced in the region due to winds of up to 97 kilometers per hour. It has been reported that helicopters were unable to reach the region, trees downed and power lines blocked roads.
13 THOUSAND HOUSES WITHOUT ELECTRICITY, 13 RESIDENTIAL AREAS UNLOADED
It was stated that in the Kula region, which was hit the hardest by the fire, an area of about 1,100 acres was turned to ash and at least two houses were destroyed. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced that about 80 people had been evacuated from 40 homes.
While 13 settlements were evacuated due to three fires on the island, 16 roads were closed to traffic. Thousands of people who live in 13,000 houses without electricity woke up in darkness and anxiety.
Meteorologist Jeff Powell noted that Hawaii is caught between high pressure in the north and the low pressure system caused by Hurricane Dora. Powell claimed this makes the weather dry and windy, so existing fires can get out of control much faster.
LOSS OF LIFE MAY INCREASE
While 6 people have been reported to have lost their lives in the fire so far, authorities announced that search and rescue efforts are continuing and the loss of life could increase. It was also reported that 5 shelters were opened in the region and it is not yet known how many houses or workplaces were damaged.
The fire disaster on the island of Maui caused great distress in Hawaii and across the United States. It is unclear when the firefighting work will be completed and when the region will return to normal.