Deaths from Hawaiian fires hit 53, expected to rise FMTNews FMTWorld
KAHUKUI: A terrifying wildfire that scorched a historic Hawaiian town and left it in charred ruins has killed at least 53 people, authorities said yesterday, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state’s history.
“In 1960 we had 61 fatalities when a large wave came through Big Island,” Governor Josh Green said, referring to a tragedy that struck a year after Hawaii became the 50th US state.Maui County officials said confirmed fatalities stood at 53, and firefighters were still battling the blaze in the town that served as the Hawaiian kingdom’s capital in the early 19th century.
President Joe Biden yesterday declared the fires a “major disaster” and unblocked federal aid for relief efforts, as residents said they needed more help in a recovery that could take years.US coast guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN around 100 people were believed to have jumped into the water in a desperate effort to flee the fast-moving flames as they tore through Lahaina.
Aerial photographs of Lahaina, which served as the Hawaiian kingdom’s capital in the early 19th century, showed entire blocks reduced to cinders.“With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time,” Maui mayor Richard Bissen said. At the airport in Kahului, Lorraina Peterson said she had been stuck for days without food or power, and was now looking at a lengthy wait for a flight.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
At least 6 dead as wildfire razes Hawaiian townLOS ANGELES: At least six people have been killed in a wildfire that has razed a Hawaiian town, officials said Wednesday, with desperate residents jum...
Read more »
Rabies: 13 deaths in Sarawak so far this yearKUCHING: Sarawak recorded 13 deaths from 15 rabies cases from Jan 1 to Aug 7, says the state Health Department.
Read more »
WHO tracking new Covid strain spreading in UK, USThe EG.5 variant ‘could cause a sudden increase in cases and deaths’.
Read more »
‘Don’t wait to cough up blood’: 6 things to know about TBClose to 25,400 cases of this disease, which is endemic in Malaysia, were recorded last year, with 2,572 deaths.
Read more »
Four friends charged with murder at Melaka Magistrate's CourtMELAKA: Four friends faced murder charges at the Magistrate's Court here Friday (Aug 11) over the deaths of two men, whose bodies were found wrapped in canvas sheets and left to rot in secondary jungle.
Read more »
Record heat warning as forest fires rage in Spain, Portugal | The Malaysian InsightRecord heat warning as forest fires rage in Spain, Portugal
Read more »