• Hawaii Governor Josh Green, centre, speaks to reporters during a tour of wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii. AP
    Hawaii Governor Josh Green, centre, speaks to reporters during a tour of wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii. AP
  • A church service at King's Cathedral in Kahului on the island of Maui, Hawaii. AP
    A church service at King's Cathedral in Kahului on the island of Maui, Hawaii. AP
  • Volunteers load supplies on to a boat bound for West Maui at the Kihei boat landing. AP
    Volunteers load supplies on to a boat bound for West Maui at the Kihei boat landing. AP
  • A tree, uprooted by high winds, rests on the ground as a Maui County firefighter extinguishes a fire. AFP
    A tree, uprooted by high winds, rests on the ground as a Maui County firefighter extinguishes a fire. AFP
  • Donated clothes pile up in Lahaina. AP
    Donated clothes pile up in Lahaina. AP
  • An American Red Cross worker stands at the entrance of the War Memorial Stadium, which is being used as a shelter for displaced Lahaina inhabitants in Kahului. EPA
    An American Red Cross worker stands at the entrance of the War Memorial Stadium, which is being used as a shelter for displaced Lahaina inhabitants in Kahului. EPA
  • Kamuela Kawaakoa, 34, and his six-year-old son, stand under a tarpaulin with donations for those affected by the wildfire. AFP
    Kamuela Kawaakoa, 34, and his six-year-old son, stand under a tarpaulin with donations for those affected by the wildfire. AFP
  • Hawaii stevedores and other volunteers prepare donations in Hawaii. Reuters
    Hawaii stevedores and other volunteers prepare donations in Hawaii. Reuters
  • The Ganer family survey the ruins of their home on Malolo Place, western Maui, Hawaii, after a wildfire that killed 67 people. AFP
    The Ganer family survey the ruins of their home on Malolo Place, western Maui, Hawaii, after a wildfire that killed 67 people. AFP
  • Damage to Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023, after a wildfire. AP
    Damage to Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023, after a wildfire. AP
  • Damage to Kula in the Upcountry region of Maui island, Hawaii, after a wildfire. AP
    Damage to Kula in the Upcountry region of Maui island, Hawaii, after a wildfire. AP
  • Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, after the wildfire. AP
    Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, after the wildfire. AP
  • Burnt grasslands in the Upcountry region of Maui island extend almost as far as the eye can see. AP
    Burnt grasslands in the Upcountry region of Maui island extend almost as far as the eye can see. AP
  • A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island. AP Photo
    A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island. AP Photo
  • Waiola Church and the adjacent Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in Lahaina. AP
    Waiola Church and the adjacent Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in Lahaina. AP
  • Smoke and flames have become a familiar sight across Maui. AP
    Smoke and flames have become a familiar sight across Maui. AP
  • Several communities were forced to evacuate as the dry season and strong winds made for dangerous fire conditions. AP
    Several communities were forced to evacuate as the dry season and strong winds made for dangerous fire conditions. AP
  • Passengers try to rest at Kahului Airport as they leave Maui. AFP
    Passengers try to rest at Kahului Airport as they leave Maui. AFP
  • Flights off the island were delayed and cancelled leaving thousands of passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport. AFP
    Flights off the island were delayed and cancelled leaving thousands of passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport. AFP
  • This handout videograb courtesy of Richard Olsten shows smoke billowing from destroyed buildings in Maui. AFP
    This handout videograb courtesy of Richard Olsten shows smoke billowing from destroyed buildings in Maui. AFP
  • Smoke rises above Lahaina in this handout photo courtesy of Carter Barto via Facebook. AFP
    Smoke rises above Lahaina in this handout photo courtesy of Carter Barto via Facebook. AFP
  • Smoke billows as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of Lahaina. Reuters
    Smoke billows as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of Lahaina. Reuters
  • Boats docked at Lahaina as smoke streams from wildfires in the Hawaii town in Maui. Reuters
    Boats docked at Lahaina as smoke streams from wildfires in the Hawaii town in Maui. Reuters
  • Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse. Reuters
    Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse. Reuters
  • A boat burns off the scorched waterfront after wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane spread. Reuters
    A boat burns off the scorched waterfront after wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane spread. Reuters
  • Wildfires are destroying one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Reuters
    Wildfires are destroying one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Reuters
  • People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina. AP
    People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina. AP
  • People wait on the side of the road to return to west Maui after evacuations were ordered. Reuters
    People wait on the side of the road to return to west Maui after evacuations were ordered. Reuters
  • Wildfires are seen across Maalaea Harbour. Reuters
    Wildfires are seen across Maalaea Harbour. Reuters
  • At least six people have been killed in Maui, the mayor said. Reuters
    At least six people have been killed in Maui, the mayor said. Reuters

Hawaii fires: survivor 'heartbreak' after Maui's deadly wildfires


  • English
  • Arabic

At least 93 people have died in wildfires on the island of Maui in Hawaii, officials said, a number expected to rise as the governor urged residents to shelter those who lost their homes.

The wildfires are the state’s deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people.

The updated death toll issued by Maui County on Saturday makes this the deadliest US wildfire since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed 85 people.

Governor Josh Green said the catastrophic flames have levelled the historic town of Lahaina, the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history. More than 2,000 buildings have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless.

Bill Wyland, who owns an art gallery on Lahaina's Front Street, fled on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. “It was devastating to see all the burned-out cars. There was nothing that was standing,” he said.

Resident Anthony Garcia said the fire had gutted the apartment he was renting and destroyed all his belongings and memories.

"It took everything, everything! It's heartbreaking," the 80-year-old California native said. "It's a lot to take in."

Officials were trying to find temporary housing for more than 4,000 people as the scale of the devastation became clear.

Flyovers by the Civil Air Patrol found 1,692 structures destroyed — almost all of them residential.

Officials have said 2,719 structures were exposed to the fire — with more than 80 per cent damaged or destroyed. Nine boats sank in Lahaina Harbour, officials determined using sonar.

Gov Green said it would take "many years" to rebuild the town that was once the capital of the former kingdom of Hawaii.

Burnt areas of Lahaina on Maui island. AP
Burnt areas of Lahaina on Maui island. AP

"What we saw was the utter devastation of Lahaina," he said. “Lahaina, with a few rare exceptions, has been burnt down.”

The Lahaina fire is not yet contained, AP reported.

President Joe Biden on Thursday approved a federal disaster declaration, freeing up resources to assist in recovery efforts.

Mr Biden spoke with the governor in a phone call, to “let him know we're going to make sure the state has everything it needs in the federal government to recover”. He also sent “his deep condolences for the lives lost and vast destruction of land and property”.

Firefighters from Honolulu have been requested to assist, while 30 US Army personnel arrived to begin search and recovery efforts.

“Our prayers with the people of Hawaii but not just our prayers, every asset we have will be available to them,” Mr Biden said while travelling to Utah.

“And we've seen their homes, their businesses destroyed, and some have lost loved ones.”

The flames and smoke had forced people to flee into the sea off Lahaina. The US Coast Guard said 14 people were rescued from the ocean.

Lahaina resident Emerson Timmins told AP: “There were those cars abandoned on the road. I don’t think those people could get out in time.

“They probably headed to the ocean, the ones that could make it.

“And the people leaving their homes, if a young person could barely get out of there with their family, then the elderly are trapped.”

Three days after the disaster, it remained unclear whether some residents had received any warning before the fire engulfed their homes.

The island includes emergency sirens intended to warn of natural disasters and other threats, but they did not appear to have sounded during the fire, Reuters reported.

Officials have not offered a detailed picture of what notifications were sent, and whether they went by text message, email or phone calls.

Lahaina residents Kamuela Kawaakoa and Iiulia Yasso also told AP they had been lucky to escape with their six-year-old child.

“It was so hard to sit there and just watch my town burn to ashes and not be able to do anything,” Mr Kawaakoa said. “I was helpless.”

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said the fires have tested the community's resolve.

“We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time,” he said in a recorded statement on the county's Facebook page.

“Even though we are hurting, we are still able to move forward – especially when we do it together. And the days ahead, we will be stronger as a 'kaiaulu', or community, as we rebuild with resilience.”

About 11,000 people were flown out of Maui on Wednesday with another 1,500 scheduled on Thursday, state transport director Ed Sniffen said.

About 2,100 people were crammed into shelters in Maui on Tuesday night, county officials said.

Strong winds produced by Hurricane Dora were contributing factors to the fires and blowing power lines down.

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.

He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

Tips for used car buyers
  • Choose cars with GCC specifications
  • Get a service history for cars less than five years old
  • Don’t go cheap on the inspection
  • Check for oil leaks
  • Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
  • Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
  • Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
  • Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
  • If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell

Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com

Men's football draw

Group A: UAE, Spain, South Africa, Jamaica

Group B: Bangladesh, Serbia, Korea

Group C: Bharat, Denmark, Kenya, USA

Group D: Oman, Austria, Rwanda

DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%2C%20Manal%20Khader%2C%20Amer%20Daher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio

Price, base Dh485,000 (GranTurismo) and Dh575,000 (GranCabrio)

Engine 4.7L V8

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Power 460hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 520Nm @ 4,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.3L (GranTurismo) and 14.5L (GranCabrio) / 100km

THE SPECS

Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 429hp

Torque: 520Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh360,200 (starting)

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Four tips to secure IoT networks

Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:

- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version

- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number

- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently

- Always create a different guest network for visitors

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Company profile

Name: Dukkantek 

Started: January 2021 

Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani 

Based: UAE 

Number of employees: 140 

Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service) 

Investment: $5.2 million 

Funding stage: Seed round 

Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office  

Updated: August 13, 2023, 11:37 AM