Workers engage in search and rescue efforts after deadly fires hit the Hawaiian island of Maui. Reuters
Workers engage in search and rescue efforts after deadly fires hit the Hawaiian island of Maui. Reuters
Workers continue searching through destroyed neighbourhoods in the town of Lahaina. Reuters
Workers continue searching through destroyed neighbourhoods in the town of Lahaina. Reuters
Debris lies in the road after wildfires devastated the historic town of Lahaina. Reuters
Debris lies in the road after wildfires devastated the historic town of Lahaina. Reuters
Rescue and recovery personnel conduct search operations in Lahaina. Reuters
Rescue and recovery personnel conduct search operations in Lahaina. Reuters
Workers carry out morgue operations in Maui. AFP
Workers carry out morgue operations in Maui. AFP
A building damaged in the Maui wildfires. Reuters
A building damaged in the Maui wildfires. Reuters
Burnt palm trees and destroyed cars in the aftermath of the wildfire in Lahaina. AFP
Burnt palm trees and destroyed cars in the aftermath of the wildfire in Lahaina. AFP
A sign reads 'Tourist Keep Out' at the entrance to a neighbourhood after the wildfire swept through the city of Lahaina. EPA
A sign reads 'Tourist Keep Out' at the entrance to a neighbourhood after the wildfire swept through the city of Lahaina. EPA
Fire damage in the Wahikuli Terrace neighbourhood. Reuters
Fire damage in the Wahikuli Terrace neighbourhood. Reuters
Firefighters clear debris in Kula, Hawaii. AP
Firefighters clear debris in Kula, Hawaii. AP
A burnt building in the fire-ravaged town of Lahaina. Reuters
A burnt building in the fire-ravaged town of Lahaina. Reuters
US marshals check an abandoned car in the ruins of a neighbourhood. EPA
US marshals check an abandoned car in the ruins of a neighbourhood. EPA
The state flag of Hawaii flies over a distribution centre for those affected by the Maui fires at Honokawai Beach Park in Napili-Honokowai, west Maui. AFP
The state flag of Hawaii flies over a distribution centre for those affected by the Maui fires at Honokawai Beach Park in Napili-Honokowai, west Maui. AFP
The remains of a washer-dryer unit sit in a house that was destroyed by the Lahaina fire. EPA
The remains of a washer-dryer unit sit in a house that was destroyed by the Lahaina fire. EPA
A sign blocks a road in Lahaina. EPA
A sign blocks a road in Lahaina. EPA
Workers install a fence around some of the burnt areas in Lahaina. EPA
Workers install a fence around some of the burnt areas in Lahaina. EPA
Local residents put up signs along the motorway near Lahaina. Reuters
Local residents put up signs along the motorway near Lahaina. Reuters
Volunteers sort out donated pet food at the Maui Humane Society in Puunene, central Maui. AFP
Volunteers sort out donated pet food at the Maui Humane Society in Puunene, central Maui. AFP
A woman hugs a volunteer at a distribution centre for those affected by the Maui fires at Honokawai Beach Park. AFP
A woman hugs a volunteer at a distribution centre for those affected by the Maui fires at Honokawai Beach Park. AFP
A sign reading 'Donations full - mahalo' - a Hawaiian word conveying gratitude - is displayed outside a fire station in Wailuku, Hawaii. AFP
A sign reading 'Donations full - mahalo' - a Hawaiian word conveying gratitude - is displayed outside a fire station in Wailuku, Hawaii. AFP

World

US

Maui fires: Hawaii officials face scrutiny over not sounding sirens

More than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for, governor says

The National

August 17, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The head of Maui's emergency agency has sought to fend off criticism for not sounding sirens that would have alerted people to deadly fires that tore through the island.

At least 110 people were killed when the town of Lahaina was hit by the fires, with residents saying they were not aware of the risk until they saw the flames.

Hawaii created outdoor alert systems after a deadly tsunami in 1946. Herman Andaya, head of Maui's Emergency Management Agency, said the agency was fearful that residents would flee towards the flames if the sirens were sounded the night they began.

“The sirens are used primarily for tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded.”

Without sirens, residents had to rely on mobile devices and television coverage. But communication channels were limited due to knocked-out power lines and mobile networks.

Mr Andaya also questioned whether people could have heard the sirens, particularly those who lived on higher ground.

When asked if he regretted not activating the sirens, Mr Andaya said, “I do not”.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green defended the decision. He has also ordered the state's attorney general to launch a review of the emergency response.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, centre, speaks to reporters during a tour of wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii. AP
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, centre, speaks to reporters during a tour of wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii. AP
A church service at King's Cathedral in Kahului on the island of Maui, Hawaii. AP
A church service at King's Cathedral in Kahului on the island of Maui, Hawaii. AP
Volunteers load supplies on to a boat bound for West Maui at the Kihei boat landing. AP
Volunteers load supplies on to a boat bound for West Maui at the Kihei boat landing. AP
A tree, uprooted by high winds, rests on the ground as a Maui County firefighter extinguishes a fire. AFP
A tree, uprooted by high winds, rests on the ground as a Maui County firefighter extinguishes a fire. AFP
Donated clothes pile up in Lahaina. AP
Donated clothes pile up in Lahaina. AP
An American Red Cross worker stands at the entrance of the War Memorial Stadium, which is being used as a shelter for displaced Lahaina inhabitants in Kahului. EPA
An American Red Cross worker stands at the entrance of the War Memorial Stadium, which is being used as a shelter for displaced Lahaina inhabitants in Kahului. EPA
Kamuela Kawaakoa, 34, and his six-year-old son, stand under a tarpaulin with donations for those affected by the wildfire. AFP
Kamuela Kawaakoa, 34, and his six-year-old son, stand under a tarpaulin with donations for those affected by the wildfire. AFP
Hawaii stevedores and other volunteers prepare donations in Hawaii. Reuters
Hawaii stevedores and other volunteers prepare donations in Hawaii. Reuters
The Ganer family survey the ruins of their home on Malolo Place, western Maui, Hawaii, after a wildfire that killed 67 people. AFP
The Ganer family survey the ruins of their home on Malolo Place, western Maui, Hawaii, after a wildfire that killed 67 people. AFP
Damage to Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023, after a wildfire. AP
Damage to Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023, after a wildfire. AP
Damage to Kula in the Upcountry region of Maui island, Hawaii, after a wildfire. AP
Damage to Kula in the Upcountry region of Maui island, Hawaii, after a wildfire. AP
Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, after the wildfire. AP
Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, after the wildfire. AP
Burnt grasslands in the Upcountry region of Maui island extend almost as far as the eye can see. AP
Burnt grasslands in the Upcountry region of Maui island extend almost as far as the eye can see. AP
A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island. AP Photo
A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island. AP Photo
Waiola Church and the adjacent Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in Lahaina. AP
Waiola Church and the adjacent Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in Lahaina. AP
Smoke and flames have become a familiar sight across Maui. AP
Smoke and flames have become a familiar sight across Maui. AP
Several communities were forced to evacuate as the dry season and strong winds made for dangerous fire conditions. AP
Several communities were forced to evacuate as the dry season and strong winds made for dangerous fire conditions. AP
Passengers try to rest at Kahului Airport as they leave Maui. AFP
Passengers try to rest at Kahului Airport as they leave Maui. AFP
Flights off the island were delayed and cancelled leaving thousands of passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport. AFP
Flights off the island were delayed and cancelled leaving thousands of passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport. AFP
This handout videograb courtesy of Richard Olsten shows smoke billowing from destroyed buildings in Maui. AFP
This handout videograb courtesy of Richard Olsten shows smoke billowing from destroyed buildings in Maui. AFP
Smoke rises above Lahaina in this handout photo courtesy of Carter Barto via Facebook. AFP
Smoke rises above Lahaina in this handout photo courtesy of Carter Barto via Facebook. AFP
Smoke billows as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of Lahaina. Reuters
Smoke billows as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of Lahaina. Reuters
Boats docked at Lahaina as smoke streams from wildfires in the Hawaii town in Maui. Reuters
Boats docked at Lahaina as smoke streams from wildfires in the Hawaii town in Maui. Reuters
Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse. Reuters
Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse. Reuters
A boat burns off the scorched waterfront after wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane spread. Reuters
A boat burns off the scorched waterfront after wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane spread. Reuters
Wildfires are destroying one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Reuters
Wildfires are destroying one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Reuters
People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina. AP
People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina. AP
People wait on the side of the road to return to west Maui after evacuations were ordered. Reuters
People wait on the side of the road to return to west Maui after evacuations were ordered. Reuters
Wildfires are seen across Maalaea Harbour. Reuters
Wildfires are seen across Maalaea Harbour. Reuters
At least six people have been killed in Maui, the mayor said. Reuters
At least six people have been killed in Maui, the mayor said. Reuters

Avery Dagupion, whose family’s home was destroyed in the fire, told the Associated Press that residents were angry over the lack of warnings. He also said an August 8 announcement from Maui Mayor Richard Bissen – saying the fire had been contained – gave people a false sense of security.

Mr Bissen fought back on criticism during a news conference.

“The people who were trying to put out these fires lived in those homes – 25 of our firefighters lost their homes. You think they were doing a halfway job?” he said.

Maui County on Wednesday night released more names of the 111 confirmed victims: Melva Benjamin, 71; Virginia Dofa, 90; and Alfredo Galinato, 79 – all residents of Lahaina.

The death toll is still expected to rise as workers continue search efforts. More than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for, Mr Green said.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were scheduled to provide an update on federal recovery efforts on Thursday afternoon.

Agencies contributed to this report

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England ODI squad

Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

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Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos

Rating: 2.5/5

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Company profile

Company: Eighty6 

Date started: October 2021 

Founders: Abdul Kader Saadi and Anwar Nusseibeh 

Based: Dubai, UAE 

Sector: Hospitality 

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Funding stage: Pre-series A 

Investment: $1 million 

Investors: Seed funding, angel investors  

The Indoor Cricket World Cup

When: September 16-23

Where: Insportz, Dubai

Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

RESULTS

6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200
Winner: Miqyaas, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Untold Secret, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Shanty Star, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

8.15pm: Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Alkaamel, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.

8.50pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Speedy Move, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

9.25pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 2,000m​​​​​​​
Winner: Quartier Francois, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

SPECS
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Who are the Soroptimists?

The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.

The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.

Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.

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Updated: August 18, 2023, 5:15 AM
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