- The death toll climbs to 96, the desperate search for survivors continues. President Biden has declared a sate of emergency. At least a 1,000 people reported missing.
- All of the deaths were in the 'decimated' historic town of Lahaina where over 1,000 buildings have been destroyed by the inferno. Fires are still burning.
- Tourists were urged to leave, shelters running out of space.
- President Biden sent Black Hawks to help douse the flames.
- Dozens of panicked residents were seen jumping into the ocean to escape the flames.
- At least 12 had to be rescued, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
- The unorthodox escapes came after evacuation orders were issued for parts of the island, resulting in miles-long traffic jams as people attempt to flee the dangerous areas, says County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin. Residents who aren’t under evacuation orders have been asked to shelter in place so they won’t add to the congestion on the roads, Martin adds.
- Meanwhile, emergency crews continue to battle “multiple” blazes that are concentrated in two areas of Maui. Among the structures that have been destroyed is a group of historical buildings in the town center that dated back to the 1700s, fire officials say.
- The fires on Hawaii were being fanned by strong winds associated with Hurricane Dora.
- Officials expect it will become the state’s deadliest natural disaster since a 1961 tsunami killed 61 people on the Big Island.