Aerial photographs taken along the west coast of Maui reveal the devastating destruction caused by a wind-driven wildfire. The historic town of Lahaina, one of Maui’s largest communities dating back to the 1700s, was reduced to ashes. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed, and boats in the harbor were incinerated by wind-blown embers. Officials confirmed that the death toll rose to 53.
On Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Maui’s firefighting crews battled three fires simultaneously on the island. The most destructive blaze was in Lahaina, while another fire raged near Kihei, and a third affected inland communities known as Upcountry.
The images show the devastating aftermath in Lahaina, with homes and buildings on the waterfront reduced to rubble. Only a few structures can be seen standing amidst the widespread destruction. The images also show scorched shorelines and destroyed cars amidst the burnt-out town.
Thousands of passengers were left stranded at the Kahului Airport due to delayed and canceled flights, a testament to the extensive impact of the wildfires.
The cause of the wildfires remains undetermined. At the time the fires ignited, the National Weather Service had issued high wind warnings for the Hawaiian Islands. Investigations into the wildfires are ongoing, as the community begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding.