Much of historic Lahaina town believed destroyed as huge wildfire sends people fleeing into water

It's the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s history since Hurricane Iniki.

Hawaii News Now
A dozen people rescued who fled into the ocean to escape flames and heavy smoke that destroyed much of historic Front Street in Lahaina on #Maui. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/08/09/breaking-news/massive-wildfires-devastate-lahaina-wreak-havoc-across-2-islands/ #wildfires #Hawaii
Massive wildfires devastate Lahaina, wreak havoc across 2 islands

A massive wind-swept wildfire, one of many across two islands, swept through Lahaina town, forcing large-scale evacuations, burning homes and business, and leading to the rescue of a dozen people who fled into the ocean to escape the flames and heavy smoke that destroyed much of historic Font Street.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser
"I have ordered all available Federal assets on the Islands to help with response" to the #wildfires, says President Biden in a statement. #Hawaii
Update: At least 36 people have died in the Lahaina fire on #Maui in #Hawaii. https://www.khon2.com/hawaii-fires/36-fatalities-involved-in-lahaina-wildfires/
"President Biden spoke by phone with Hawaii Governor Josh Green about the devastating wildfires in Maui. He expressed his deep condolences for the lives lost and vast destruction of land and property. President Biden confirmed he signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii that will deliver additional federal resources and support on top of the actions already underway by FEMA, the National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard & other federal agencies to support the emergency response." - White House
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Hawaii Disaster Declaration | The White House

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing. The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Maui County. Assistance…

The White House
People in #Hawaii affected by #wildfires "desperately needing help now," says President Biden in Salt Lake City, #Utah. #FEMA director is heading there and "is surging disaster personnel on the island."
Biden is making emarks at the Wahlen VA Hospital in SLC, #Utah to mark the anniversary of his signing of the #PACTAct
@w7voa Maui is burning . I’ve been to that town …such a beautiful human dwelling .
Or was …ferk!
@w7voa @redcrew No! This is so sad. That huge banyan tree, too. 😭
@w7voa and Fox, right wing influencers, politicians and religious dark money #heritagefoundation for instance continue to lie to us amd sabotage our potential for actual survival. Shut them down. We have a right to survive. Get your religion out of our government. Get your lies out. So sorry and sad. And angry.
@w7voa this makes me so sad. I’ve visited Lahaina a number of times as a tourist. It is such a lovely place. I have fond memories of my kids as toddlers playing on the banyan tree.