Families Seek Loved Ones Amidst Maui Wildfires
In a race against time, families in Maui are desperately scouring the charred landscape for their missing loved ones amidst raging wildfires. As the fires inch closer to the city of 20,000 people, air evacuations are set to commence on Thursday to ensure the safety of residents in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
The government has issued an urgent call for residents in the highest-risk areas of Yellowknife to evacuate immediately. Those in other areas have until noon on Friday to make their escape. However, officials emphasize that only those unable to leave by road should register for the flights out. Individuals who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions placing them at higher risk are strongly encouraged to sign up for evacuation.
Shane Thompson, a government minister for the Territories, clarified in a news conference that the city is not presently in immediate danger and that residents have a safe window to leave via road or air. Residents of Yellowknife have begun leaving the city via Highway 3, the sole highway connecting them to neighboring communities, following the evacuation order issued on August 16, 2023.
The wildfires, currently burning approximately 10 miles outside the city, are predicted to encroach on the city outskirts by the weekend if rainfall does not occur. In case of limited visibility caused by smoke, authorities will provide escorts for those departing Yellowknife via the highway, ensuring safe passage through the active fire zone.
Across the Northwest Territories, over 200 wildfires have already ravaged a vast expanse. As of Wednesday, Canada has witnessed a staggering total of 1,067 active wildfires. The region’s fire information officer, Mike Westwick, revealed that eight communities, accounting for nearly 6,800 individuals or 15% of the territory’s population, have already been evacuated. Numerous highways have been closed, and the territory has witnessed the largest airlift operation in its history. Canadian Forces personnel have been providing support to firefighters and conducting evacuations using Hercules aircraft.
This year, Canada has suffered an unprecedented number of wildfires, with more than 8,108 square miles already reduced to ashes. As we witness the alarming consequences of climate change, it is crucial that we take decisive action to protect our planet and mitigate the severity of such disasters.
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