Paradise Hawaii is burning. Several large fires are raging in the US state as drought and high winds brought by Hurricane Dora fueled and strengthened a series of wildfires causing mass evacuations, widespread power outages and forcing people to throw themselves overboard to escape from the flames.
Unfortunately there are victims: at least on the island of Maui, where the most serious situation is recorded and witnesses describe apocalyptic and panic scenes, with many people forced to jump into the ocean to avoid the fire.
The streets of the popular town of Lahaina, a renowned tourist destination, are engulfed in fire, dozens of shops eaten by flames. The authorities have closed all the thoroughfares in the city and also those of West Maui to the public, practically isolating the western part of the island, which remains accessible only to emergency personnel.
"It is definitely one of the most difficult days for us," said county spokeswoman Mahina Martin. Hawaii Acting Governor Sylvia Luke declared an emergency and activated the state National Guard to facilitate evacuations and help firefighters.
Winds from Hurricane Dora reached 97 km per hour, adding to the strength of the fires in areas that have long been affected by an unusual drought.
(Unioneonline/L)
