Parts of Lahaina destroyed from Hawaii wildfires

A wildfire that broke out on Tuesday reached and destroyed parts of Lahaina Town, as was reported by Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Thursday, August 10.

Governor Green also said that about 1,700 buildings, along with property worth billions of dollars, had been destroyed in the events, as of Thursday.

This was one of the three wildfires that broke out this past week on the island of Maui, and which were enhanced by dry weather conditions and wind gusts reaching 60 mph (100 kmh) due to Hurricane Dora that was passing far to the south.

Evacuations were initiated on the western side of the island with reports of about 14,000 visitors being moved off Maui on Wednesday and an additional 14,500 on Thursday.

Human losses have so far reached 53 and are expected to exceed 61, which were recorded due to a tsunami in 1960.

Police chief John Pelletier reported that he believes about 1,000 more people are missing.

Finally, although the wildfires are still burning, Maui County stated that the Lahaina fire was contained at 80% and the Pulehu one, burning about 20 miles east of Lahaina, at 70%.