Hawaii wildfires: Maui and Lahaina evacuations as people leap in sea to escape Hurricane DoraHawaii's Maui County and Lahaina are being evacuated as terrible wildfires fuelled by deadly winds from Hurricane Dora are pummelling the US island state today in frightening scenes
Apocalyptic scenes as people drive through Lahaina in Hawaii, surrounded by flames on both sides
Terrified people are fleeing into the sea as brutal wildfires and Hurricane Dora tear through the island of Hawaii today, sparking apocalyptic scenes.
In what could be the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s history since Hurricane Iniki in 1992, multiple evacuations are taking place across the islands in the popular tourist area of Maui County. In a situation described as "very chaotic" by the local government, several fires have destroyed homes and buildings across Maui and Lahaina and terrifying images and footage show whole areas engulfed in flames as families flee in cars with infernos either side.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke has issued an emergency proclamation and activated the Hawaii National Guard. Local authorities say "multiple structures" have been burnt and power lines down as flames are fuelled by strong winds from Dora.
Trapped people are reportedly fleeing into the ocean. The US Coast Guard has rescued 12 people from the waters off Lahaina and has despatched boat and helicopter rescue crews to the islands, which are a US state.
The American Red Cross has despatched hero workers to launch emergency shelters and social media users are asking people to "please pray for Lahainā, Maui and all places currently affected by brush fires".
Explosions have been triggered as fire destroyed buildings on historic Front Street in downtown Lahaina, where people leaped into the ocean to escape, as shown by a video posted to social media by Alan Dickar:
Mr Dickar, a Front Street business owner, told local media: "Buildings on both sides were engulfed. There were no fire trucks at that point; I think the fire department was overwhelmed. That is the most important business street on Maui.”
Lahaina resident Tiare Lawrence spoke to local media and said the scenes were like the apocalypse as people ran for their lives from the flames.
She said: “It’s just so hard. I’m currently Upcountry and just knowing I can’t get a hold of any of my family members. I still don’t know where my little brother is. I don’t know where my stepdad is.
“Everyone I know in Lahaina, their homes have burned down.”
Maui County Government told local media they were "dealing with an immense amount of evacuations and structure fires in both Upcountry Maui and West Maui. We understand it is very chaotic out there or law enforcement personnel are all on scene and our emergency operating center is in full activation this evening with coordination between county, state and federal agencies."
Harrowing footage posted on Instagram shows people fleeing Lahaina surrounded by flames on either side, engulfed in the blazes and unable to see where they are going