The disaster is projected to bring about drastic ecological changes including coral death, drinking water pollution and soil loss
On August 8, 2023, fires began on the Maui island of Hawaii. The wildfires have scorched thousands of acres putting homes, businesses and over 35,000 lives at risk, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
The historic town of Lahaina has been severely affected and the death toll has reached 53. This number is expected to rise.
Currently, three wildfires are burning through the island in Lahaina, Kihei and Kula regions. Dry conditions and gusts of wind majorly fueled all these. Strong winds from Hurricane Dora are fanning the blazes in the southern region of the archipelago.
For many, it was a vacation that turned into a nightmare, as the island is a popular tourist destination and attracts over two million annually. Maui’s mayor, Richard T Bissen Jr, said evacuation orders had been issued for “affected areas,” including Lahaina, but others have been left unattended.
Some people resorted to jumping into the Pacific Ocean as they fled the flames.
How is the wildfire going to impact the beautiful Maui Island? The disaster is projected to bring about drastic ecological changes as well.
The Hawaiian coral reefs were already suffering from the consequences of the 2015 marine heatwave. The current wildfire and the destruction caused by it could exacerbate the issue, according to Jamison Gove, research oceanographer, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.
Wildfires have the potential to pollute private wells, water networks and municipal water systems, according to Andrew Whelton, professor, environmental and ecological engineering, Purdue University. Water, drawing in materials such as smoke, soot, ash and vapours can result in long-term issues.
According to Elizabeth Pickett, co-executive director at the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, “Invasive and fire-prone grass species have moved in over time and during a fire they can burn into native forests, which means the forests are replaced by more grass. The soil burns and sloughs off, leading to massive post-fire erosion that smothers coral, impacts fisheries and reduces the quality of the ocean water.”
Wildfires have become all too familiar elsewhere in the world and Human-caused climate change, driven by fossil fuel use is the main reason behind it. Scientists say that countries must slash emissions to prevent such climate catastrophes.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.