Hawaii, USA has been grappling with a series of recent wildfires. Despite its reputation as a tropical paradise, Hawaii seems to be severely impacted by the intensifying effects of climate change.
Over the past few years wildfires have scorched thousands of acres of land. In 2023 alone, there have been more than 200 reported wildfire incidents across the state, affecting islands of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island.
Hurricane Dora, a category four storm that recently passed Hawaii, is thought to have caused the strong winds up to 100 km/hour to fuel the wildfires. The wildfires have taken a toll on local communities, forcing residents to evacuate their homes, and, in some tragic cases, causing loss of life. BBC reported that at least 115 people have died as of 25th August and the death toll is feared to increase. Some people had to spend many hours in the sea to escape the raging fires.
The emotional and psychological toll cannot be underestimated, as families grapple with the uncertainty of their future amidst the ashes of their homes and memories. The blaze on the island of Maui have killed at least 80 people so far making it the deadliest environmental disaster since 1959 – when Hawaii became a US state. According to The Guardian, it’s the deadliest US blaze in 100 years which has completely consumed to town of Lahaina. UNDRR also confirms that Hawaiian wildfires were the deadliest in over a century in the US.
The losses are enormous. As of August 2023, over 25,000 acres of land along with public, private and commercial properties have been scorched by wildfires across Hawaii. The cost of rebuilding Lahaina alone is estimated to be more than US$ 6 billion.
The recent spate of wildfires in Hawaii, Greece, Canada and other parts of the world underscores the undeniable reality of the climate crisis. Communities across the world are facing an unprecedented challenge, necessitating immediate action on local, national, and global levels. As communities unite to recover and rebuild, the world watches, hoping that the resilience and determination of Hawaii’s people will inspire a renewed commitment to protecting our planet.
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