At least 36 dead, dozens injured, and hundreds of buildings destroyed as wildfires shock Maui

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🗞️ Driving the news: A fast-spreading wildfire in Maui, Hawaii has claimed at least 36 lives and destroyed parts of the centuries-old town of Lahaina, leaving thousands racing to escape their homes
• The event marks one of the deadliest U.S. wildfires in recent years, with the flames forcing some residents to flee into the ocean

🔭 The context: The fire took the island by surprise, leading to widespread devastation, including burned-out cars and destroyed historic buildings
• The flames were whipped by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, with experts linking such extreme weather events to climate change
• Around 14,500 customers were left without power early Wednesday, and communication breakdowns made it difficult for people to reach loved ones

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: The wildfires in Hawaii are another grim reminder of the extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change 

⏭️ What's next: Authorities are working on restoring communications and distributing aid, with helicopters dropping water on the fires and President Joe Biden ordering all available federal assets to assist
• The Hawaii National Guard has been mobilized, and investigations will likely be conducted to determine the immediate cause of the fire

💬 One quote: “It was so hard to sit there and just watch my town burn to ashes and not be able to do anything. I was helpless.” (Kamuela Kawaakoa, Lahaina resident)

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