Hawaii island is under siege as a result of the devastating wildfires that have been ravaging the islands causing loss of lives and widespread damage. However, a shocking incident came to light when people started diving into the water to escape the advancing fires.
Amid the smoke and fire, families and individuals ran into the sea to flee the advancing flames, turning the Hawaiian paradise into a scene of mayhem and heartbreaking survival. The U.S. Coast Guard in a statement said that 14 people, including two children, were saved when they dived into the ocean to escape the fire and smoke.
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Strong winds, dry conditions along with intense winds caused by hurricane Dora caused the wildfire, which had begun as a small blaze, to soon grow into a destructive inferno. Authorities issued evacuation orders for many settlements as the fire raced quickly over the island, but many inhabitants were caught off surprise by how quickly the flames spread, forcing them to make split-second decisions to secure their safety.
Many Hawaii residents, numbering in the thousands, also hurriedly left their homes on Maui as the fire spread throughout the island. The fire destroyed a chunk of a town with a long history leaving 36 people dead.
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Several communities have been completely destroyed by winds brought by the cyclone and the subsequent wildfires.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of thousands of people after learning that Lahaina, its port, and adjacent areas had suffered significant damage.
Where there once was a flurry of activity, now the streets are lined with burned-out cars.
The Maui Fire Department has issued a safety guide for Hawaii citizens to follow while they clean up the remains of the devastating wildfires.
