Six Dead as Massive Wildfire in Hawaii Forces People to Flee to the Sea...

Fire Spread and Suppression Challenges Due to Hurricane Strong Winds
Dry Climate and Altered Vegetation Also Cited as Causes

An unprecedentedly large wildfire has struck Hawaii, resulting in six deaths.

No place to escape the flames, people jumped into the sea... 6 dead, over 20 injured

On the 8th (local time), the historic Waiola Church hall in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, is burning.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

According to foreign media including the US CNN broadcast on the 9th (local time), wildfires broke out the previous day in two counties, Big Island and Maui Island, the main islands of Hawaii, and a state of emergency was declared as the wildfire spread significantly due to the strong winds from Hurricane Dora.

At least six people have died and more than 20 have been injured due to the flames. Even 911 emergency services were cut off, and some people, having nowhere to escape the fire, jumped into the sea, prompting the Coast Guard to conduct rescue operations.

According to officials on Maui Island, three large wildfires that started on the island continue to spread, leading to full evacuations in 13 small towns and villages, and 16 roads have been blocked.

Currently, about 1,000 residents are staying in emergency shelters. Power supply has been cut off to approximately 14,500 households. At Kahului Airport, 2,000 tourists are stranded due to flight cancellations.

Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients complaining of burns and respiratory difficulties, reportedly exceeding their capacity. Some burn patients need to be transferred by air to other locations for treatment.

Strong winds from the hurricane that swept through Hawaii hinder firefighting efforts

Wildfire spreading to Lahaina downtown. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On Big Island, the main island of Hawaii, multiple wildfires broke out simultaneously in several locations. Hundreds of homes were engulfed in flames, and thousands of people evacuated urgently. All public schools in the wildfire areas were closed starting from the 9th.

Sylvia Luke, acting governor of Hawaii who declared a state of emergency for the main island and Maui Island, said, "The scale of the wildfires on Maui Island is unprecedented."

Richard Bissen, mayor of Maui Island, said, "Since yesterday, firefighting helicopters could not take off due to strong winds caused by the hurricane, making effective firefighting impossible," adding, "We do not know how much damage will occur until the fire is completely extinguished."

However, the exact origin and cause of the wildfires are not yet known. Authorities plan to investigate the cause of the fire.

Dry climate and changed vegetation also fuel the flames... Foreign media say, "Joe Biden likely to declare disaster"

On the 9th (local time), a large wildfire occurred on Maui Island, Hawaii, USA, with flames rising near the highway.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts analyze that the strong winds from the tornado sweeping across the entire island combined with Hawaii's dry climate are fueling the spread of the wildfires.

According to the 4th National Climate Assessment report released in 2018, drought conditions in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands have worsened.

Changes in Hawaii's vegetation are also cited as a cause of the fire. According to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, flammable invasive plant species cover one-quarter of Hawaii's total area, contributing to the spread of wildfires. This raises concerns that large-scale wildfires will become more frequent in Hawaii in the future.

Also, satellite images captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show strong winds blowing from the northeast on the afternoon of the 8th, carrying smoke from Maui beyond Lanai toward the west.

On the second day since the wildfire broke out in Hawaii, USA, on the 9th (local time), the downtown area of Lahaina on Maui Island is seen charred black. Richard Bissen Jr., Mayor of Maui, announced at a press conference that at least six people have died. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

In response, US President Joe Biden deployed the National Guard and the US Coast Guard to assist in wildfire response.

In a statement that day, President Biden said, "We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the Maui wildfires, and we pray with those who have witnessed the destruction of homes, businesses, and communities," adding, "We thank the brave firefighters and emergency responders who continue to run toward danger to save lives."

The media also reported that "President Biden is expected to soon announce a disaster declaration."

Meanwhile, as of now, no reports of damage to Korean tourists or Korean residents from the Maui fire have been received by the consulate.