Summary:
- At least 55 people have died in the catastrophic wildfire in Maui, with the death toll expected to rise.
- Hawaii's governor has labeled the fires as the largest natural disaster in the state's history.
- The wildfires were fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, causing massive devastation in West Maui.
- Residents are dealing with the loss of homes, missing family members, and hazardous conditions.
- President Biden has approved a disaster declaration, allowing federal assistance for the recovery efforts.
- The community in Maui faces a lengthy and costly process of rebuilding and recovery.
The catastrophic wildfire scorching Maui have now killed at least 55 people and that number continues to rise. Hawaii's governor is calling the fires the largest natural disaster in the state's history.
The airport here in Maui is open. The governor is urging everyone who has plans to come to Maui for non-essential travel to just stay home.
These are the smoldering ruins of the historic Hawaiian city of Lahaina. We know that many people are suffering. The fatality numbers will climb. Hawaii governor Josh Green toured the devastation yesterday. What we saw was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii's state history. Local officials say no one could have predicted the massive wildfires that struck West Maui this week, fanned by strong winds as Hurricane Dora passed just south of the islands. Lahaina resident Eliza Tobias walked back to her neighborhood days after fleeing the flames.
She found her home in ruins. Her father Carlos is among the missing. I wanted to force him to come with me, but he was very hard headed and he didn't want to come. Maui County officials are urging residents to stay away with multiple smaller fires still burning in West Maui and many communities without power and water. It's still very, very hazardous in the burn areas. Things are falling every minute around us. Yesterday, President Biden approved a disaster declaration for Hawaii, clearing the way for federal assistance.
Our prayers were the people of Hawaii, but not just our prayers. Every asset we have will be available to them. Shelters have been set up to accommodate the thousands who are now displaced. The governor says it will take several years and billions of dollars to rebuild. I've spoken with several people who are hotel employees, restaurant business employees. Every single one of them knew someone directly affected by the fires. That's how tight-knit this community really is.
Many of them have family members who are still missing. In Maui, I'm Jessica Cartaglia. Back to you.
The aftermath of the wildfires in Maui has left the community devastated and facing a long road to recovery.