At least 57 dead on Maui: "Lahaina no longer exists"

2023-08-11 12:54:00

The first assessment of the day-long fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui is shocking: Although most of the fires have now been extinguished, the number of victims increased almost every hour on Friday. According to official information, 57 dead have already been recovered. The authorities fear even worse: because dozens of people are still missing. Hundreds of homes, businesses and apartment blocks burned to the ground.

“Like a bomb went off”

“It looks like a bomb went off,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green. Virtually all buildings would have to be rebuilt. The damage will be in the billions of dollars. At the same time, the governor called on the hotels to take in the thousands of residents who had become homeless.

The helicopter pilots, who were able to fly over the fire bid for the first time yesterday after Hurricane Dora subsided, were also appalled: “Lahaina is gone. There is nothing left. The banks, the supermarkets, the churches. Everything is gone.” Around 13,000 people had lived in the well-known historic port city, which was also very popular with tourists.

emergency declared

US President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency. This can, for example, be used to fund emergency shelters and house repairs. The US military sent helicopters, search and rescue teams to Hawaii. At the same time, thousands are still trying to leave the island. 14,000 people have already been brought from the island, and by Friday evening there should be another 14,500. Those who do not necessarily have to go to Maui should cancel or rebook the trip, authorities advise.