While US President Joe Biden declared Hawaii, known as a tourism paradise, a “disaster zone”, Governor Josh Green announced that the loss of life in the fires increased to 53. Green emphasized that the fires, which burned 80 percent of the resort city of Lahaina on the west coast of the island, were the “biggest natural disaster” in the state’s history.
Stating that approximately 1,700 buildings have become unusable, Green said that they are working on a plan to accommodate those who had to leave their homes in hotels and rental properties. “It will take many years to rebuild Lahaina,” said Green.
DISASTER ZONE ANNOUNCED
As the forest fires that started on the island of Maui on Tuesday spread gradually with the effect of Hurricane Dora, more than 14 thousand tourists were evacuated and 11 thousand people were left without electricity. In a written statement from the White House, it was announced that US President Joe Biden declared Hawaii a disaster area. This paved the way for federal aid to the island.
The fight against the flames continues at 3 different points on the island.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR
Strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which swept off the coast of Hawaii on Tuesday, fueled the flames even more.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the fires were the “biggest natural disaster” in the state’s history.
Stating that climate change has created unique conditions on Hawaii, Green said, “We are seeing this for the first time in many different parts of the world.”
The last major fire in Hawaii took place in 2018. The winds of Hurricane Lane fanned the flames around Lahaina. This town was destroyed in this week’s fires.
According to local media, the fire five years ago damaged 2,000 acres of land, as well as 31 vehicles and 21 structures, mostly houses.
Wildfires used to be rare events in Hawaii. It was largely experienced by volcanic eruptions or lightning strikes. But in recent years, human activities have made them more common and on a larger scale.