Charred debris, toxic water, remote towns: Lahaina’s recovery will be a ‘slow process’

Roughly 2,700 buildings were destroyed and at least 101 people lost their lives in the devastating fires that swept through Maui

A long road to recovery lies ahead of Lahaina, the vibrant and historic town tucked along the western coast of Maui that now stands in smoldering ruins.

Roughly 2,700 buildings were destroyed by the wind-whipped flames and at least 101 people have lost their lives. Search and rescue efforts to recover the bodies of the victims, as well as relief efforts to support the thousands of displaced survivors, are at the center of focus. But tons of charred debris will need to be removed from the island before communities can begin to heal.