36 people killed so far as fire devastates Lahaina, Hawaii
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Officials report that wildfires sparked by Hurricane Dora have damaged more than 270 structures and killed at least 36.
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Smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, Maui on August 8, 2023. (AP)
Local authorities in Hawaii have reported that the Lahaina fire has killed at least 36 people and that it is still active.
Numerous businesses in the historic town of Lahaina have been damaged by wildfires that were sparked by Hurricane Dora's high winds, injuring many more. For three fires, there have been thirteen evacuations.
Adults and children had to dive into the ocean for protection as flames erupted day and night.
"As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire," a Maui county statement said. "No other details are available at this time."
It was unclear if the 36 fatalities included the six that were previously reported on Wednesday.
Twelve persons were rescued by the US Coast Guard from the water near Lahaina after they dove in to escape smoke and flames. According to officials, people with burns have been evacuated to Oahu.
US President Joe Biden declared that he has "ordered all available federal assets on the islands to help with response." He offered his condolences and added that he and his wife were praying for everyone who had experienced the destruction of their homes, places of business, and towns.
At least 271 structures were found to have been destroyed or damaged during flyovers conducted on Wednesday afternoon by the Maui fire department and the US Civil Air Patrol. According to Mahina Martin, a spokesperson for Maui County, determining the entire scope of the damage might take weeks or months.
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