Disaster in Paradise: The Maui Wildfires Expose How Quickly a Crisis Can Escalate

The nature of the island’s geographical layout also poses considerable challenges to emergency responders and relief efforts alike. “Everything about the immediate response to a disaster in places like Hawaii and Puerto Rico is more expensive than on the mainland. That includes food, shelter and transportation,” Ivis García, anurban planner who has researched disaster recovery efforts, told The Conversation.

According to The Washington Post, local residents have stepped up to help with disaster response. “A volunteer relief effort led by Native Hawaiians has emerged to shuttle supplies to the disaster zone,’ reports The Post. “An impromptu flotilla of cruisers and catamarans carrying supplies such as generators, propane tanks, clothing and ready-to-eat meals reached the beach in Kahana, just north of Maui’s hardest-hit areas.”

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/12/us/hawaii-emergency-warning-system-maui-wildfires/index.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/08/12/maui-fire-death-toll-lahaina-hawaii-damage/

https://theconversation.com/maui-wildfires-extra-logistical-challenges-hinder-governments-initial-response-when-disasters-strike-islands-211384