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-Signs, Portents, and the Weather-
Hawaii: Maui wildfires death toll rises to 36
2023-08-11
[GEO.TV] Officials in Hawaii's Maui County said Thursday at least 36 lives have been claimed as deadly wildfires sweep across the area, forcing authorities to start evacuating people.

"As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire," the Maui county government said in a statement.

Maui County said more than 100 firefighters at any one time are battling the active wildfires on the island, where winds were finally abating Wednesday night, Hawaii News Now reported.

There are no further details about the 36 deceased people but residents are turning to social media to look at their loved ones.

Authorities have opened five evacuation shelters on Maui. Officials earlier said they were "overrun" with people. The island is a popular tourist destination and visitors have been urged to stay away.

Hawaii Lt Governor Sylvia Luke told news hounds: "This is not a safe place to be. We have resources that are being taxed."

"We just had the worst disaster I've ever seen. All of Lahaina is burnt to a crisp. It's like an apocalypse," resident Mason Jarvi told Rooters.

On Wednesday, At least six people died and scores of others left Maui County after wind-fueled wildfires destroyed hundreds of buildings in the historical town of Lahaina.
Related:
Maui: 2023-08-10 Hawaii wildfires: Maui hospitals 'overwhelmed' and 911 services are disconnected due to downed cell towers
Maui: 2023-02-14 Every passenger's worst nightmare: United Airlines flight from Hawaii to San Fran NOSE-DIVED 1,400ft during epic storm and came within 775ft of the Pacific in terrifying 45-second ordeal
Maui: 2022-10-30 Paul Pelosi alleged attacker David DePape a 'monster' who sexually abused his kids, stepdaughter claims
Posted by:Fred

#6  
Posted by: Cholutle Thrans9751   2023-08-11 13:08  

#5  We were just in Maui in June. Guess we timed it right.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia   2023-08-11 10:21  

#4  Bodies of Hawaii fire victims are pulled out of the sea - as 14,500 more people are evacuated and 2,000 are left without a place to sleep: 'We still have dead bodies floating in the water'
Posted by: Skidmark   2023-08-11 10:08  

#3  Shocking!
Posted by: Skidmark   2023-08-11 09:40  

#2  As usual the Mail has the story
Posted by: Mercutio   2023-08-11 09:23  

#1  53 this morning, from the wife's news feed.
Posted by: Bobby   2023-08-11 07:33  

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