At least 36 people were reported dead in the brush fires on Maui’s west coast which broke out on Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina. As the flames moved quickly, many were forced to flee into the ocean to escape, reported AFP. Officials confirmed 36 casualties and feared more. President Joe Biden declared the fires a “major disaster” and unlocked federal aid for relief efforts while the residents said they needed more help and feared it would take years for the town to recover.
Initial reports indicated that there “were around 100 that had to enter the water”, US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN.
Helicopters dispatched to the area faced extremely low visibility due to the smoke said Kirksey, adding that a Coast Guard vessel had been able to retrieve more than 50 people from the water.
"It was a really rapidly developing scene and pretty harrowing for the victims that had to jump into the water," she added.
However, residents said that the official response was lacking.
"We have been pulling people out... We're trying to save people's lives, and I feel like we are not getting the help we need," Lansford told CBS. "We still get dead bodies in the water floating and on the seawall."
"With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time," Mayor Richard Bissen said in a video posted to Facebook.
"In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a (community)..." he added, "as we rebuild with resilience and aloha."
Earlier, Biden sent condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the wildfires in Maui. Our prayers are with those whose homes, businesses, and communities are destroyed. We are grateful to the first responders putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives.”