At least six people were killed, dozens were wounded, and damages were inflicted on 271 buildings in massive wildfires that erupted in Maui Island in Hawaii on Wednesday.
The fires continued to rage into Wednesday afternoon, fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed south of the Hawaiian islands. Officials fear that the death toll may rise.
This is a deeply somber day,” Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. “The gravity of losing any life is tragic. As we grieve with their families, we offer prayers for comfort in this inconsolable time.”
With the winds somewhat subsiding in intensity, some aircraft resumed their flights, enabling pilots to see the full extent of the devastation.
Mahina Martin, spokesperson for Maui County, mentioned that aerial flights over the coastal town of Lahaina by the United States Civil Air Patrol and the Maui Fire Department showcased the extent of the loss.
