The death toll from a fire that devastated the historic beach town of Lahaina on the island of Maui rose to 55 this Friday, but there are fears that the death toll will be much higher as search operations move through the wreckage.
Flames engulfed the city on Tuesday after it swept through the surrounding forest in high winds.
The city was reduced to the smoldering rubble of over a thousand buildings and an indefinite number of vehicles.
Residents say the sirens did not sound to warn residents of the approaching fire. Emergency services confirm that the sirens were not activated for reasons yet to be determined, but emphasize that warnings were sent to mobile phones and local television and radio.
This Friday, a plan was drawn up to accommodate thousands of displaced people in hotels and other tourist facilities on the island.
Author: Francisco J. Gonçalves
Source: CM Jornal
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