36 People Dead and 11,000 Evacuated as Devastating Wildfires Hit Hawaiian Islands

This week, the Hawaiian islands of Maui and the Big Island were hit by a series of devastating wildfires. The fires were caused by strong winds generated by Hurricane Dora, a distant Category 4 hurricane, and dry conditions on land. The National Weather Service reported that the combination of these two factors created an environment where wildfires can ignite and spread more easily.

The fires have caused immense destruction, with satellite images showing the extent of the devastation. In the Maui town of Lahaina, 14 people were forced to take shelter from the fire and smoke in the ocean. The US Coast Guard responded to reports of multiple people in the water needing rescue, dispatching a cutter, a 45-foot boat, and helicopters. All 14 people were rescued from a breakwall by Lahaina harbor.

Maui County has confirmed that 36 people have died in the fire, and over 11,000 people have been evacuated from the island. More evacuations are expected. The fires have highlighted the impact of climate change on the Hawaiian islands, as the combination of strong winds and dry conditions has made the islands more prone to wildfires.

Crews are continuing to battle the fires, and authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and follow all evacuation orders.