The devastating wildfires that broke out in Hawaii engulfed the town of Lahaina on the tragic Aug 9th, 2023, and caused wide-spread destruction that shocked the World. To grasp the severity of the disaster:
Deaths : 102+.
On August 21, between 1,000 and 1,100 people were reported missing. This number steadily declined over time—388 on August 26, 12 by September 29, 4 on November 14, and finally just 2 as of February 13, 2024, where it stands today.
Economic loss: USD 5.5 Billion. Structures destroyed : 2,207.
The town people were fleeing in every direction when the fires engulfed and such a massive chaos was created. Some even jumped into the ocean to save themselves from the fires. The Temperatures reached 1000oF (538oC), enough to melt granite and automobile engines. On Aug 17, 60 survivors were found sheltering in a single home. Survivors later recalled getting trapped in a traffic jam and realizing they needed to go into the water when cars around them either ‘caught fire or exploded’.
Pic from the Coast Guard Boat-they rescued 17 from water.
Burnt cars on the shoreline
Burned buildings remains
