Heavy forest fires are currently raging on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The natural disaster already began on Tuesday, US media reports. CNN writes that the US Coast Guard yesterday was forced to rescue people who jumped into the sea to avoid the flames.
During Wednesday, the forest fires continued with full force. The popular tourist town of Lahaina has been hit hard after several buildings and businesses were destroyed in the flames.
“DO NOT go to Lahaina Town” the authorities write on X (formerly Twitter). All roads in and out of the city have been closed due to the fires, write AP.
At the same time, the community of Kihei further south is burning heavily.
“It’s apocalyptic”
CNN has spoken with Clint Hansen who works at the local radio station. Using his drone, he was able to capture the extensive fires north of Kihei on film.
– People who jump into the sea to escape the flames must be rescued by the coast guard. All boat owners are urged to rescue people. It is apocalyptic, he tells the channel.
The rescue effort has been greatly hampered due to a power outage on the island. The island is without power due to Hurricane Dora, which has moved in over the area. Rescue helicopters have had problems taking off due to the storm.
The National Guard is called in
– Our hospitals on Maui are overloaded with people with burns and respiratory problems. “The reality is that we have to fly people out of Maui to give them burn care because Maui’s hospitals can’t do serious burn care,” Hawaii Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke told CNN.
Around 14,000 homes and businesses on the island are without power as the fires rage, according to the channel. Traffic has piled up in several places after people tried to escape. In several communities, schools remain closed – and in some areas people are forced to evacuate.
Sylvia Luke has declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard to fight the fires.
The emergency services: Can travel miles in minutes
There are no reports that anyone has died in connection with the fires. At least 1,000 people have been forced to seek shelter on the island, Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said.
The danger is far from over, according to the authorities. Due to erratic winds, challenging terrain and steep slopes, a warning has been issued to the residents of the island.
– The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but within a minute or two it can be at your home, says Jeff Giesea at the rescue service.