A deadly wildfire on Maui steals Hawaiians’ homes and history
The wildfire that swept through town on August 8th was indiscriminate. Scores of birds lie dead on the ground throughout the burn zone, felled by flames or the toxins they released. White picket fences melted. For many homes, the only thing left is the scorched husk of a washing machine sitting amid rubble where a laundry room once stood. Skeletons of cars sit where they were overtaken by the inferno.
Besides the cause of the fire, two questions are playing on the minds of Maui residents. First, is why the island’s warning system did not alert locals to the danger. Outdoor sirens throughout the islands are meant to be used to warn Hawaiians of all manner of hazards, from tsunamis to wildfires to terrorist threats. But as flames consumed 2,200 buildings all 80 sirens in Maui County were silent.
Yet the flames swallowed the town anyway. That the fire took Lahaina by surprise should serve as a warning, both for places accustomed to extreme weather, and those that are not. A warming climate means disasters such as fires and floods will become more common and more severe, making it imperative that towns routinely update and test their emergency warning systems and evacuation plans.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Hawaii wildfires: Teen brothers share story of survival after jumping into ocean with mother in LahainaA family on Maui says they barely escaped death, wading in the ocean for hours, while wildfires, caused by human-induced climate change, and hurricane winds roared around them.
Lire la suite »
Only five Maui wildfire victims identified out of 106 found deadOnly 35% of Lahaina has been searched as of Wednesday.
Lire la suite »
Family of Maui fire victim 'knew something was wrong' on day blaze beganBuddy L Jantoc was one of the first two victims to be identified as victims of the wildfires that struck the town of Lahaina. His family is now calling for more answers surrounding his death.
Lire la suite »
Hawaii wildfires: Grandfather was one of the first to be identified after Maui blazeBuddy L Jantoc, was a well-known musician in the area, performing at the local bars, hotels and shopping malls. The 79-year-old lived in the Hale Mahaolu retirement home in Lahaina but his family are unsure if there was an evacuation plan in place for when the fires hit.
Lire la suite »
Joe Biden seems to forget name of Maui as he finally speaks on Hawaii wildfiresPresident Joe Biden spoke publicly for the first time on the Hawaii wildfires, two days after having 'no comment' on the rising death toll.
Lire la suite »