Hawaii wildfires in pictures: Images show devastation on island of Maui

World

These images show the devastation wreaked by wildfires in the historic Hawaiian town of Lahaina.

Before and after satellite images of the town – on the island of Maui – show the devastating impact of the fire, with row upon row of burnt out homes and businesses.

At least 36 people have died and more than 271 buildings have been destroyed, according to local authorities in Lahaina, which dates back to the 1700s and was once the capital of Hawaii.

Read more: At least 36 people dead after fires in Maui

Image:
Aerial view of Maui shows the scale of the wildfires there

Image:
An aerial view shows damage along the coast of Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires

Image:
A satellite image shows wildfires in Maui. Pic: European Union/Copernicus Sentinel

Image:
The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina. Pic: AP

Image:
Smoke rises from wildfires

Image:
Pic: Jeff Melichar/TMX

Image:
A wildfire rips through Lahaina

Image:
A charred boat lies in the scorched waterfront. Pic: Mason Jarvi

Image:
Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse

Image:
Smoke billows near Lahaina

Image:
Lahaina harbour. Pic: AP

Major General Kenneth S. Hara, the adjutant general for the State of Hawaii, said gusts of up to 85mph had fuelled the flames and had prevented helicopters from aiding efforts to contain the fire.

On Thursday, governor Sylvia Luke declared a state of emergency and urged people not to travel to West Maui, describing it as “not a safe place to be”.

“Our main focus now is to save lives,” Maui mayor Richard Bissen Jr added.

“The gravity of losing any life is tragic. As we grieve with their families, we offer prayers for comfort in this inconsolable time.”

The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

Read more:
Portugal wildfires: Satellite image shows impact of blaze
Climate summit host country misses own clean power target

However, high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, are likely to have contributed, according to Major General Hara.

Experts have also warned that climate change is increasing the likelihood of more extreme weather.

“Climate change in many parts of the world is increasing vegetation dryness, in large part because temperatures are hotter,” said Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute at Oregon State University.

Articles You May Like

Oil prices little changed as U.S. moves to replenish reserve, Gaza cease-fire still uncertain
Microsoft signs deal with Swedish partner to remove 3.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
Oil prices hold firm amid confusion over status of Gaza cease-fire proposal