2023-08-12 13:51:20
The wildfires in Hawaii are taking a heavy human toll. Maui County authorities have updated the death toll to 80, while nearly 1,000 people remain missing due to this catastrophe. These fires are already considered the biggest tragedy caused by a natural disaster since Hawaii gained statehood in the archipelago.
Map of the extent of devastation from the fires in Maui, Hawaii on August 8, 2023 / Image: NASA
The work of the firefighters continues intensely to extinguish the sources and contain the flames in areas such as Lahaina, Pulehu / Kihei and Upcountry Maui, as reported by the authorities in a statement, as collected by the US network CNN collects this information.
From the social network Twitter, Esri’s DRP shows satellite images of Maxar before and after some areas affected by the fires:
Maxar Technologies also shows before and after satellite images of the areas hardest hit by the flames. “Deadly wildfires have gripped the city of #Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of #Maui , where the Governor has issued an emergency proclamation. Seen here is the Lahaina Square shopping center area. Before image: June 25, 2023, after image: August 9, 2023.”
Deadliest natural disaster since 1960
Image of the Lahaina Square shopping center area, in Lahaina City, Maui: Before image June 25, 2023, after image August 9, 2023 in Hawaii / Images: Maxar
Until now, the deadliest natural disaster on record on the island had been the 1960 tsunami, which left 61 fatalities. These fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of people so far. In fact, during this Saturday, the authorities have ordered the evacuation of Kaanapali, an area north of Lahaina and one of the most affected by the fire, which has a population of approximately 1,100 people.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a state of health emergency on the island, thus allowing more flexible medical care for those affected. Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary, said in a statement: “We will do everything we can to help Hawaii officials respond to the health impacts of the wildfires.” In addition, he added that they are working closely with other federal agencies and their international partners.
14,000 people evacuated from the island of Maui
Local authorities report that more than 14,000 people were evacuated from the island of Maui on Wednesday, while about 14,500 people were transferred to other nearby islands on Friday, according to CNN.
The United States Coast Guard has carried out the rescue of 17 people who were both on the Lahaina boardwalk and in the ocean, fleeing the flames. This operation, which involved two vessels, was active for at least 15 hours.
Richard Bissen, mayor of Lahaina and the former capital of the archipelago, mentioned that approximately 80% of the city has been completely destroyed by the flames, which were fanned by Hurricane Dora.
So far, the authorities have managed to control 85% of the flames in the Lahaina area. However, experts point out that these fires could affect not only the physical health, but also the mental health of the residents.
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