Wildfires have devastated the city of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, leaving the popular tourist attraction a scorched hellscape, with only steaming pile of ash remaining.
At least 36 people have died from the devastating fires — fuelled by winds from Hurricane Dora hundreds of miles away — as it made its path through neighborhoods, causing residents to have to take shelter in the ocean to survive.
At least 14 people, including two children, have been rescued from the water.
Others have suffered burns and other injuries from trying to save themselves from the rapidly spreading disaster.
Before and after photos show the devastation left behind, with entire neighborhoods razed to the ground.
Helicopter Pilot Richard Olsten, who has flown tourists above the island for 50 years, said the area looked like it was “bombed.”
Before the fires tore through, the church was peacefully surrounded by green palm trees and pushes. Google Earth
The roof of the Waiola Church engulfed in flames on Tuesday. AP
Vibrant neighborhoods have been left completely bulldozed by ravaged flames, leaving nothing but level ground and ashes behind as whole neighborhoods perish. Lahaina was a green and coastal paradise on June 25 (left) before it was destroyed and left covered in smoke on August 9 (right). AP
The wildfire tore through the heart of Maui, leaving more than 11,000 trying to desperately escape the devastation. Pictured: The island on June 25 (left) and August 9 (right). AP“It’s like a war,” he told Hawaii News Now.
What we know about the Maui wildfires
At least 114 people have died in the Maui wildfires that started last Tuesday.
The wildfires, fanned by strong winds, burned multiple buildings, forced evacuations and caused power outages in several communities.
The National Weather Service said Hurricane Dora was partly to blame for the strong winds that knocked out power as night came. About 13,000 residents in Maui were without power, according to reports.
People rushed into the ocean to escape the smoke and flames fanned by Hurricane Dora.
Fire crews battled multiple fires in the popular tourist destination of West Maui and an inland mountainous region. Firefighters struggled to reach some areas that were cut off by downed trees and power lines.
Nearly 300 structures, including popular tourist attractions and historic buildings, have been destroyed by the wildfires and rubble has begun to pile high next to the waterfront as homes, boats, and nature has been torched to lifeless frames.
Front Street, which is lined with adorable storefronts, is a popular tourist attraction. The large tree along Front Street can be seen before being burnt to the ground. Google Earth
Children watch as the rapidly spreading fire engulfs Lahaina as they watch from a commercial area of Front Street. Flames tear down a nearby tree as a ominous cloud of dark gray smoke coats the air. AP
An entire community was wiped out from the fires. Hurricane Dora is partly to blame for the rapidly moving flames as the storm’s strong winds off the coast are creating problems for authorities to contain the fire. AP
Boats line the shore in the vibrant neighborhood before the wildfires. Google Earth
The once stunning coastline filled with bright blue waters and green trees is now a muddle of gray debris and smoke as whole neighborhoods have been destroyed. Vince Carter via REUTERS
The coastline was left scorched after the wildfire moved through. AP
The same intersections usually have a beautiful view of the ocean. Google Earth
The Hokiokio Place intersection was sidelined by large flames lighting up the night. ZUMAPRESS.comMore than 11,000 have been evacuated and airlines are offering discounted flights to help get people off the island as satellite images show nothing but charred remains and a “decimated” scene behind.
Hurricane Dora is partly to blame for the rapidly moving flames as the storm’s strong winds off the coast are creating problems for authorities to contain the fire.
