Maui’s 80 sirens, one of the largest systems in the world, remained unused during the spread of the wildfires. As a result, emergency conveyance was limited to cell phones, television, and radio broadcast. Authorities are facing a great deal of backlash for the silence of the sirens. In addition, it has been reported that the water supply has been depleted and people are beginning to wonder whether the authorities are actually trying to help at all.
The conduct of the police force has come under scrutiny. Many roads have been blocked off, effectively trapping families in potentially dangerous neighborhoods, as the fires rage around them. Instead of facilitating safe movement, it appears that the police have falsely portrayed these restricted areas as places of refuge, leaving families stranded and increasing the death toll.
“Two women running up and screaming and holding each other because each one thought that the other had perished in the fire. They met up and just hugged and cried, and you couldn’t help but join in, you know?” Robert Gonzalez said, according to Fox26.
The situation on the island has been compared to a war zone or the fires of 9/11 – disastrous events that demanded swift and coordinated responses. Yet, in this case, it appears that little has been done to protect Maui’s citizens, leaving many feeling abandoned and vulnerable. There have been several scams going on with people posing as Southwest Airlines and many people have lost money and leaving them in unsafe areas. It is disheartening that amidst a time of crisis, some individuals seek to exploit the vulnerability of others for personal gain.
As the authorities struggle to provide adequate support and protective measures, Maui’s residents are left to fend for themselves, desperately seeking ways to stay safe in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.
“People were being incredibly nice with each other. It was amazing to see the humanity people displayed, but it was still tough. There was lots of sadness,” Robert Gonzalez said, according to Fox26.
In places where it is barricaded, some people have resorted to escaping from these areas and leaving their families behind in order to survive. These wildfires have caused great devastation to the citizens of Maui.
