By CLAIRE RUSH, TY O’NEIL, and JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER (Associated Press)
LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Maui can only be described as a surreal scene of destruction. Burned-out cars, flattened homes and businesses, incinerated telephone poles—all evidence of the destructive force that swept through the island. Residents, like Anthony Garcia, were left to assess the devastation, filled with a mix of disbelief and despair. Garcia, who lost everything he owned, found solace in clearing debris, feeling the need to do something amidst the chaos. However, his faith in God was shaken by the tragedy.
As residents returned home to survey the damage, the death toll climbed to 67 confirmed fatalities. The Attorney General’s office announced plans for a comprehensive review of decision-making before, during, and after the wildfires. The purpose is to understand the actions taken and improve future response efforts. The Associated Press journalists who witnessed the destruction reported that nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of Lahaina, was destroyed.
Surviving animals, such as roosters, roamed the charred remains of the town, while the wreckage of burnt cars created an eerie traffic jam. Many residents expressed their frustration at the lack of warning they received before the fires engulfed their homes. Despite alerts sent to mobile phones, TVs, and radios, the widespread power and cellular outages hindered the reach of these notifications. Governor Josh Green warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continued.
The wildfires, fueled by dry weather and strong winds, were the state’s deadliest natural disaster in decades. The estimated cost of the damage already surpasses that of Hurricane Iniki in 1992, making it the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii’s history. However, for some survivors like Summer and Gilles Gerling, material possessions were the least of their concerns. They were grateful to have escaped with their lives, despite losing sentimental items in the fire.
The search for the dead was aided by cadaver-sniffing dogs, as the state came to grips with the magnitude of the tragedy. Lahaina’s susceptibility to wildfires was well-documented in Maui County’s hazard mitigation plan. The report noted that West Maui had a high rate of non-English speakers and households without vehicles, which could limit their ability to receive timely warnings. Additionally, the Maui Fire Department faced challenges with its small staff and limited firefighting resources.
Residents in Kula and Lahaina were warned not to drink the running water due to possible contamination from the fire. Even boiling the water was not sufficient to make it safe for consumption. The recovery process was expected to be complex and dangerous, requiring caution from those returning to their homes.
Despite the immense loss, residents like Lana Vierra were determined to rebuild and find peace amidst the ashes. The speed at which the fire engulfed the town left many feeling helpless, with Riley Curran describing it as something he had never witnessed before. The devastating impact of the wildfires in Maui serves as a reminder of the urgency to better prepare and respond to such disasters. Time will tell how the state and its residents heal and rebuild after this tragic event.
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