Travelers from Maui, where destructive wildfires continue to rage, are returning to the Los Angeles area. The fires, which started on Tuesday, have claimed at least 36 lives and have resulted in the evacuation of thousands of visitors.
Wildfires, fueled by strong winds from a passing hurricane, swept through dry brush in the popular tourist and historic town of Lahaina, taking many travelers by surprise. As of Wednesday, approximately 2,000 travelers were seeking shelter at an airport on the island as they attempted to return home.
Several flights arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Thursday morning, with more scheduled throughout the day. Some travelers reported cutting their trips short due to the fires, while others indicated that they were left without food and power on the island.
The airport in Maui has been described as chaotic as people scrambled to leave amidst the escalating situation. Airlines, including Southwest Airlines, have added additional flights out of Maui to assist stranded travelers.
This situation illustrates the far-reaching impact of the Maui wildfires, affecting not only residents but also tourists and visitors to the island. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and effective response strategies in such circumstances.