Haunting picture shows sole red house that survived Hawaii wildfires
Ben Thompson
Featured Image Credit: Reddit/Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
As wildfires spread through the Hawaiian island of Maui, photos of the damage are emerging online. But one in particular has struck a chord with viewers.
At least 106 people have died and hundreds have lost their homes as a devastating wildfire engulfed Hawaii over the past week, Maui County Officials have said.
The Governor of Hawaii Josh Green has said the death toll could still rise significantly, telling CNN: "Over the course of the next several weeks, we’ll be able to confirm who passed away. But it’s gonna be very difficult going."
In areas where the fire has since retreated, authorities have warned that residents may still face issues as a result of toxic byproducts which may have infiltrated the area, including in drinking water.
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As the devastation continues, countless harrowing images and videos have surfaced online showing the extent of the damage to the area.
But one stands out from the rest.
The haunting image in question shows a house standing alone, seemingly the only one in the neighbourhood to have not burnt down.
Its red roof stands out in contrast to the rest of the homes nearby, which are left in ash.
When the image was shared, many people noted how moving it was.
One person wrote: "Man, returning to that house has got to feel so lucky and so sh***y at the same time."
Another remarked: "This is the most incredible and saddest photo."
At least 2,200 buildings and other structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fires, and more than 2,170 acres have been burned. Thousands of people are in need of help.
The blaze is already the deadliest wildfire in modern US history, and with close to $6 billion worth of damage caused, it's also likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii's history.
President Joe Biden ordered all available federal assets to help with the response. He said the Hawaii National Guard had mobilised Chinook helicopters to help with fire suppression as well as search and rescue efforts on Maui.
He added: “Our prayers are with those who have seen their homes, businesses, and communities destroyed.”
Former US president Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, said in a statement: "It’s tough to see some of the images coming out of Hawaii - a place that’s so special to so many of us. Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down."
If you would like to donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, which is supporting communities affected by the wildfires, click here for more information
You can also donate to the American Red Cross, which helps provide food, medical supplies, shelter and water to those impacted