Last week wildfires ravaged the historic town of Lahaina, Maui. As of Sunday, the death toll sits at confirmed 96 dead, with many more still missing. The fires, which hit Lahaina suddenly led many people to seek shelter in the ocean. 


The wildfires were fueled by Hurricane Dora from 800 miles away. The high winds and dry land of Maui made the fire uncontrollable.


Citizens of Lahaina lost power and connection to emergency services. Many fled from their homes as the fire quickly consumed the neighborhood. And footage of people in Lahaina town in the ocean with the fires raging in the background has gone viral.


In @chefjoshuamarten’s video, some people are holding onto debris while others are holding onto the ocean break wall as the violent winds blow.

 

@chefjoshuamarten #mauifire ♬ original sound - ChefJoshuaMarten


“My house is gone. So many people have lost their homes” captions @caroarreguin. Her video shows the fires in the distance while being on what appears to be a boat.


@caroarreguin My house is gone. So many people have lost their homes #maui #lahainahawaii #8 ♬ original sound - squeakycheeks


The Coast Guard has responded to the wildfires and has rescued refugees from the water. They reported to have rescued 17 individuals from the harbor and 40 survivors located ashore.



The rebuilding efforts have only just begun and though nothing can bring back those lost in the fire, Lahaina will be rebuilt.