MAUI, HAWAII: Hawaii's picturesque landscape has turned into a scene of devastation as a series of deadly wildfires sweep across the islands, claiming numerous lives and forcing the evacuation of thousands.
The ferocity of the fires has been exacerbated by a combination of factors involving both the land and atmospheric conditions that experts call "fire weather."
One of the hardest-hit areas is the historic town of Lahaina located on the island of Maui. The once-charming town was destroyed by a massive blaze that obliterated much of its landscape, turning much of the area to ash.
'Several wildfires are burning across parts of Hawaii'
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the rising death toll, which has now reached 53 lives lost. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tweeted about their efforts in tracking the hotspots and smoke generated by the fires as they swept through various areas of Maui and Hawaii.
Posting a video showcasing their effort, NOAA wrote, "Several #wildfires are burning across parts of Hawaii this week, fueled in part by strong winds from Hurricane Dora passing to the south."
@NOAA 's GOESWest was tracking the hotspots and smoke from the fires as they burned across parts of Maui and the Big Island yesterday evening. The fires have destroyed buildings, caused power outages and forced thousands of residents to evacuate," added the caption.
'Absolutely heartbreaking'
People have turned to social media platforms to offer prayers and share videos and images. One particularly moving video capturing the sight of Maui engulfed in flames recorded by a passenger aboard an airline has left the Internet deeply moved.
AccuWeather's official Twitter account reshared the video with the caption, "Airline passenger shares a birds-eye view of the wildfires that ravaged Maui."
A heartbroken user left a comment on the post, saying, "Lived on Maui for 36 years…this is unfathomable to me." Another wrote, "Absolutely heartbreaking. So sorry for those who have been lost and keeping those still there and those fighting in thoughts. Horrifying scenes."
Several others offered their prayers for those affected by this tragedy. "That's so sad. Thoughts and prayers go out to all people affected," wrote one, while another added, "My heart go out to the ppl in Maui."
Another person extended their condolences and shared a poignant reflection about their own time spent on the island. "Sorry for the lives lost. It was a little heaven on earth when I was there. The seven pools on the island's opposite is nice also."
The person continued, "Perhaps they can load all the historical images into a super computer and rebuild similar. Lives and artifacts can not be replaced I know. Tragedy. Ocean supplied water line sprinkler system protection built around the whole thing."
What caused the Hawaii wildfires?
The fires, fueled by a mix of factors including dry conditions and strong winds, have prompted urgent evacuation orders across multiple areas, as residents and authorities grapple to mitigate the relentless onslaught.
Major General Kenneth Hara, commander general of the Hawaii Army National Guard, said, "We don't know what actually ignited the fires, but we were made aware in advance by the National Weather Service that we were in a red flag situation — so that's dry conditions for a long time, so the fuel, the trees and everything, was dry," per CBS.
He further explained that these circumstances, coupled with low humidity and strong winds, have established the perfect conditions for the outbreak and spread of the wildfires.
A Twitter account shared previously unreleased footage of the Maui wildfires, saying, "UNCUT never before scene footage of Maui wildfires. Cinematic scenes Driving thru the inferno, helicopter aerial views of the aftermath of the out of control fire."
