Top 5 facts to know about Maui's deadliest wildfire

Maui’s wildfire has claimed more than 100 lives so far. Though the fire has been contained, the scars will haunt people for a long period of time. Here are important 5 facts about Maui’s wildfire.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 19 August 2023 1:45 pm

Key Details about Maui’s Wildfire

The wildfire in Maui has left the famous tourist town in rubble and ashes. The deadliest wildfire in US history spread so quickly that it claimed the lives of more than 100 people. Although the wildfire has been contained, it has left daunting scars on the minds of people.

When the blaze started to spread, residents were given no time to escape. According to reports, various experts are claiming that incidents like these may occur with greater frequency in the future as droughts become more severe due to climate change, and vegetation is more likely to burn. Here are some of the top facts that everyone needs to know about Maui's deadliest wildfire.

1. Maui's wildfire is one of the deadliest wildfires in more than a century

Maui's wildfire is one of the deadliest wildfires which came unannounced. As per the official figures shared by the Maui Police Department, a total of 111 people have died so far, and more bodies are yet to be discovered as the search operation is still ongoing.

The wildfire has surpassed the 1960 tsunami, which claimed 61 lives in Hawaii, as the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history. In addition, it has claimed more lives than any other wildfire in the US since 1918 when blazes in Minnesota claimed up to 1,000 lives.

2. More than 2,200 structures were destroyed in the wildfire

The deadly fire burned everything in its path, and as a result, more than 2,200 structures have been destroyed on the island. As per the details shared by the Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the estimated value of those 2,200 structures was $5.5 billion.

3. Irrespective of the fire and weather warnings, the island's main electricity kept power lines electrified

According to the reports, the weather department issued a warning that strong winds could create a fire-like situation in Hawaii. Despite the fire and wind warnings, Hawaiian Electric, a company that is the primary source of electricity on the island, did not shut off power in regions where such conditions could spark a blaze.

4. People were not well-informed about the situation

The government is currently facing a severe backlash as people living on the island were not adequately informed about the situation. As a result, locals had very little time to evacuate before the fire engulfed and reached grasslands and residential areas.

5. It is not the right time to visit Maui

Though tourists are advised not to visit the island as most parts have been charred, people across the globe can come together to support those hit by the wildfire. Various groups are accepting monetary donations that will further be used for the victims who have lost everything due to the wildfire.