The Devastating Effects of the Maui Wildfire

The United States has rarely seen a wildfire worse than the one that just occurred in Maui. As of August 25, authorities have identified only 33 out of more than 115 dead bodies found. With 388 people said to be missing according to local officials, it is expected that the number of deaths will rise in the coming weeks. Many Hawaii Electric customers are without power on the island, and over 1,900 people are crowding motels which have been converted into shelters in coordination with the American Red Cross.

We cannot forget about the cultural impact the fire in Maui has had; numerous timeworn structures have been burned down in one of the most affected areas, Lahaina. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina has had a rich past. Many buildings along the historic main street of the tourist attraction have been severely burnt or destroyed; just a few of the hundreds of others. One historic banyan tree, the largest in the U.S., has survived the fire and is showing signs of recovery.