A scene of horror dominated the island of Maui, Hawaii, with the strong fires that hit the region this Wednesday (09). Some residents even jumped into the sea to escape the fire that was advancing rapidly, destroying houses and cars as it passed. Smoke also covered the region, causing more threats to the lives of the population.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) had to go into the water to rescue the residents, according to a Maui County press release. The American Red Cross opened an evacuation center at Maui High School, the county said.
At least 12 people were rescued by a Coast Guard vessel near Lahaina, Maui. “The USCG continues the joint response with federal and state partners, while the USCG Cutter Kimball is en route to Maui to intensify efforts,” the Coast Guard said via social media.
The Maui wildfires spread so quickly that many people didn’t have time to prepare, according to the harrowing account of a resident who witnessed the moments fire swept through their town.
Claire Kent said her Lahaina home burned down in fast-moving hell.
“It happened so fast,” she said, describing how the day started like any other. Kent said he was out of work because of the strong winds from Hurricane Dora. She works on a boat in the harbor and all trips have been canceled because of the weather.
“I heard the first explosions from gas stations exploding and then I saw the black smoke a few streets away and within half an hour we were out of the house,” Kent said. “I was at a friend’s house. I didn’t even go home, I had nothing with me.”
She said that within an hour the fires had spread to the end of the neighborhood. That’s when she realized they wouldn’t be able to go back.
“There are flames on both sides of the road – like something out of a horror movie,” said Kent, describing the scene as cars worked to evacuate.
She said that due to spotty cell service, evacuation notices were delivered by “people running down the street”.
“There were guys riding bikes yelling at people to get away,” Kent said.
Some people, however, were unable to leave. She described the flames moving quickly, enveloping some areas in a matter of half an hour. Some people were jumping into the water to escape the fire, she said.
“Everything is gone,” she said. “It’s Lahaina’s story that is so devastating.”
(Posted by Fabio Mendes)
Source: CNN Brasil
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