Hawaii fires before and after: Devastating photos show Maui’s scenic waterfront razed to the ground by raging wildfires that killed 53 people
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Shocking before and after photos have exposed the devastating impact apocalyptic wildfires have had on the once picturesque island of Maui.
At least 53 people — and likely “significantly” more — have died in the Hawaii fires, and officials warn that rebuilding could take years and cost billions of dollars.
In one of the most heartbreaking images of the devastation, the historic Waiola Church – which had just celebrated its 200th birthday in March – was razed to the ground by huge flames.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green lamented the loss of the state’s landmarks as he admitted more than 1,000 people were still missing Thursday.Buildings that we have all enjoyed and celebrated together for decades, generations, have been completely destroyed.”
The Maui’s west coast was hardest hit by the disasterwith poignant aerial views along the coast showing dozens of homes and a vibrant community now reduced to white ashes.
Lahaina, the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1825-1840, has long attracted the rich and famous. But where a fleet of yachts once stood, their burnt-out skeletons float instead – just a short walk from where British rocker Mick Fleetwood said he also lost his restaurant to the fire.
From bustling streets and beautiful beaches to scorched single-family homes and burnt cars, it’s no surprise why Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said, “With lives lost and property decimated, we mourn together at this inconsolable time.”
The historic Waiola Church, which only celebrated its 200th anniversary in March, was razed to the ground next to the nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission on Tuesday, August 8.
More than 1,000 people are still missing after the wildfires knocked out telephone service, grounded flights and prompted widespread evacuations. More than 1,700 buildings were destroyed, according to officials
A once vibrant and bustling community on Lahaina’s west coast has turned to ashes as dozens of homes went up in flames
A fleet of yachts is a common part of Maui, where famous faces including Oprah Winfrey and Woody Harrelson own homes. After the inferno swept through the city of Lahaina, only the skeletons of several ships remained
Front Street was a busy, bustling coastal street lined with homes and businesses, many now destroyed and owners stranded or evacuated
The banyan tree on Front Street in Lahaina has been a landmark on the island for generations. But after 150 years, the survival of the historic tree has been called into question
The inferno’s grim aftermath is laid bare in footage of the aftermath, where a house that survived the fires stands next to its neighbor who was razed to the ground