An alarming wildfire that reduced a historic town in Hawaii to ashes has claimed the lives of at least 55 individuals, as announced by officials today. This catastrophe ranks among the most lethal incidents in the history of the U.S. state.

Sparked by brushfires along the western coast of Maui island in Hawaii, the inferno, propelled by strong winds from an adjacent hurricane, erupted on Tuesday and swiftly consumed the coastal community of Lahaina.

A rapid-spreading wildfire has left historic Lahaina town in Hawaii in ruins, claiming the lives of at least 55 individuals. The fire, accelerated by high winds from a nearby hurricane, caught many off-guard, forcing some to leap into the ocean in a desperate attempt to escape. Canadian tourist Brandon Wilson described the devastation as resembling a bombing, expressing sympathy for those who lost their homes and livelihoods.

This disaster adds to a series of extreme weather events across North America, including record wildfires in Canada and a severe heatwave in the US southwest. Europe and parts of Asia have also faced devastating fires and floods amidst soaring temperatures. Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green termed the situation “catastrophic,” potentially making it the most significant natural disaster in the state’s history.

The town of Lahaina, which served as the Hawaiian kingdom’s capital in the early 19th century, has been severely affected, with around 80% of the town destroyed. Thousands have been left homeless, and efforts are underway to secure accommodations for them. US President Joe Biden declared the fires a “major disaster,” unlocking federal aid for relief and reconstruction, which is expected to take years.

In a desperate bid to escape the fast-moving flames, about 100 people reportedly jumped into the water, with Coast Guard rescue efforts saving over 50 individuals. The wildfire has affected around 1,700 buildings, prompting evacuations and leaving the community grappling with grief and loss. As Maui County faces the daunting task of rebuilding, resilience and unity are seen as key to overcoming this devastating tragedy.

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