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Hawaii fires burn historic city

2023-08-10 07:57:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Hawaii fires burn historic city

Raging fires fanned by hurricane-force winds have destroyed the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Brian Schatz, the state's US senator, reported on social media that Lahaina was "almost completely burned."

At least six people are dead.

Maui's hospital system is overwhelmed with patients injured by the massive wildfires that have swept the island.

"Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control," Schatz said.

There were reports of some people jumping into the ocean to escape the fast-moving flames. The US Coast Guard said it rescued people from drowning.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said at a news conference that many homes and business structures were completely destroyed.

According to residents, every boat in the city's harbor has been burned.

"It looks like a war movie," Chrissy Lovitt told Hawaii News Now.

Officials said it was still difficult to determine the true extent of the damage on Maui and warned that the death toll could rise. About 2,100 people have been evacuated.

Thousands of residents have been left without electricity or mobile service due to the fires.

Officials said three large wildfires remain active and out of control on Maui.

The National Weather Service said the flames were fueled by Hurricane Dora, which passed Hawaii by some distance but brought with it gusts above 60 mph (97k/h), accompanied by low moisture levels.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that the federal government has sent aid to Hawaii as it battles the flames and continues rescue efforts.

He added that the Department of Transportation is working to evacuate tourists from Maui. About 4,000 visitors are trying to get off the island, state transportation official Ed Sniffen said./ CNA

 





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