Hawaii Fights Devastating Wildfires Fueled by Drought and Climate Change

Send your queries at contact@sustainabilityawakening.com

Hawaii is known for its tropical paradise, but in August 2023 (starting Tuesday, August 8, 2023), it became a hell on earth.

What caused this inferno? How did people cope? And what can we learn from this tragedy? This is the story of the Maui wildfires of 2023.

The fires were fueled by a combination of factors, including climate change, drought, and invasive grasses.

Climate change is not only creating hotter and drier conditions through rising temperatures, it is also changing vegetation.

When non-native grasses were introduced, they quickly covered much of the state and now rapidly dry out during droughts, fueling the fast-spreading fires.

The ongoing drought, which has intensified over the past week according to CNN, has dried out vegetation and made it readily available to burn.

Drought conditions are becoming more extreme in Hawaii and other parts of the world as climate change alters rainfall patterns and increases evaporation rates.

The lack of water, exacerbated by climate change, makes it extremely difficult for firefighters to contain the flames.

The fires were also driven by strong winds that carried embers and smoke across the island.

Yes, winds have aggravated the situation!

The winds were associated with Hurricane Hilda, a Category 3 storm that brought heavy rain, flooding, and power outages to Maui and other islands.

The hurricane added another layer of danger and difficulty for the residents and emergency responders who had to deal with both disasters at once.

The fires started on August 8 near Kaanapali, a popular resort area on Maui’s west coast. They quickly spread to Lahaina, a historic town that was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Lahaina is home to many cultural and historical landmarks, such as the largest banyan tree in the US, which was scorched by the flames.

The town was also a hub for tourism and commerce, attracting millions of visitors every year.

As the fires approached Lahaina, thousands of people were ordered to evacuate.

Many had to leave behind their homes and businesses, not knowing if they would ever see them again.

We must come forward!

Some had to flee on foot or by boat, as roads were blocked or closed by authorities. Others had to shelter in place, hoping for the best. Some did not make it out alive.

Among the victims were 36 people who died in Lahaina’s historic Pioneer Inn, a hotel that dates back to 1901.

The hotel was engulfed by flames as guests and staff tried to escape. Some jumped from windows or balconies, while others were trapped inside.

The fire was so intense that it melted metal and glass, leaving behind a charred skeleton of the building.

The fires also destroyed thousands of homes and businesses across Maui, leaving many people homeless or jobless.

Some lost everything they owned, including family heirlooms, photos, and pets. Others lost their livelihoods, as their farms, shops, or restaurants were reduced to ashes.

The economic impact of the fires is estimated to be in the billions of dollars.

President Biden approved disaster assistance to help those affected by the fires and the hurricane.

Federal funding was made available for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans, and other needs.

Emergency teams searched the areas impacted by the fires for survivors or remains. Local authorities set up shelters, food banks, and donation centers for those in need.

Many celebrities and organizations also stepped up to help Hawaii recover from the fires. Jason Momoa sent out an urgent appeal for help to his followers on social media.

He also donated $1 million to relief efforts and visited some of the affected areas. Other celebrities who donated or raised awareness included Dwayne Johnson & Bruno Mar.s

Despite the devastation, there were also stories of hope and resilience. Some people rescued others from the flames or shared their resources with those in need.

Some communities came together to support each other and rebuild. Some people expressed gratitude for what they still had and vowed to move forward.

Some people also called for action to prevent future fires and address climate change.

Let's help Hawaiian people!