CNN – At least six people have lost their lives in the wildfires that are currently devastating parts of Maui, leaving behind scenes of destruction and devastation. In a news conference, Richard Bissen Jr., the mayor of the island, announced the death toll but provided no further details about the victims. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing. So far, several people have been rescued from the ocean, including two young children, but there are still others who remain unaccounted for. The fires have caused panic and anxiety among the community as they continue to spread and engulf neighborhoods. Dustin Kaleiopu, who lost his home, expressed his anxiety about finding his family members, saying he had not slept in over 24 hours as he frantically searched for them. The wildfires on Maui began spreading on Tuesday, fueled in part by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which was located more than 800 miles away. The fires have resulted in the destruction of homes and businesses, power outages, and disrupted communication services. Evacuation efforts are underway, with officials urging visitors to leave Lahaina and Maui as soon as possible. The island has opened shelters to accommodate over 2,000 displaced individuals. Many people have lost everything, including their homes and animals. The fires have caused significant damage to structures, particularly in the town of Lahaina. Claire Kent, a resident, described the rapid pace at which the fire consumed her neighborhood. Firefighters are using helicopters to drop water and suppress the flames, but as of now, the fires are not fully contained. In addition to the fires on Maui, crews on Hawaii’s Big Island are working to contain multiple brushfires that have threatened structures in some communities. The governor of Hawaii is returning to the state to oversee the situation. The wildfires have also disrupted communication services, including 911, and left some areas cut off from communication. Satellite phones have become the only reliable way to communicate with certain areas. The fires have also overwhelmed the local hospital system, which is already strained and unable to provide extensive burn treatment. Thousands of animals have been displaced, and the Maui Humane Society is appealing for foster homes to accommodate them. The fires have caused widespread power outages, leaving over 12,000 homes and businesses without electricity. Aerial footage has shown the extent of the destruction with entire blocks reduced to ruins and covered in thick smoke. Tourists are being discouraged from visiting Maui due to the ongoing emergency situation. Despite the wildfires, Hurricane Dora is not expected to directly impact the state of Hawaii. The winds from the hurricane are decreasing, which is helping firefighters, but little rain is expected in the affected areas.
Maui wildfires: At least 6 dead, thousands displaced and communities decimated after blazes
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