Global National: Aug. 11, 2023 | Grief, loss and survival as Maui ravaged by wildfires

On tonight’s top story: The situation is grim after destructive wildfires wiped out a historic Hawaiian town. At least 55 people have died in the Lahaina fire and that number is only expected to increase. It is estimated about 1,000 people are still missing and thousands of others have been displaced. Neetu Garcha has been speaking with evacuees on the island of Maui.

Countless families have been forever changed by this tragedy but one survivor’s story stands out. A California father, his wife and five kids were headed out to dinner while vacationing in Maui. The outing turned into a fight for survival.

What happened in Maui could happen anywhere – and it’s a fear so many Canadians feel as we live through this country’s worst wildfire season. Wildfires are burning increasingly close to residential areas and are putting a strain on resources and firefighters. As Mackenzie Gray explains, the forecast for the rest of the fire season is dire and the impact on our environment is extensive.

West African leaders attending an emergency summit ordered a standby force to prepare for a possible military intervention in Niger. They maintain that their top priority after last month’s coup is the peaceful return to power of Niger’s democratically-elected president. As Crystal Goomansingh reports, there are growing fears for Mohamed Bazoum’s well-being.

A judge issued a blunt warning Friday to former U.S. president Donald Trump’s legal team. His lawyers were told all necessary measures to safeguard the legal proceedings will be taken. Prosecutors were seeking a protective order to prevent Trump from publicly sharing evidence in the election interference case. Jackson Proskow reports.

Canadians’ dining habits are changing post-pandemic. As Mike Drolet reports, more people are opting for early dinner and that’s meant the service industry has had to adapt.

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[melstiller]

The devastation in Maui is utterly heartbreaking. Those poor people!

[ninjaweretiger]

I’ll still feel terrible about Lahaina. I was there in 2019. I have pics and videos of it. All that remains of what was once there… My cousins condo is in Kihei. Stayed there.

[ChristoPavic-qlit]

I love Hawaii, it’s my favourite place on this planet. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by this devastation. Love, hugs and healing to the people of Maui.

[felicidaddelo]

MANY, MANY PRAYERS FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FIRE. LORD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR PEOPLE. AMEN

[nickiewilson]

Prayers to our Hawaiian people, love from Vancouver Island, B.C. We just had a wonderful canoeing reunion and love our Hawaiian history here, especially on Salt's Spring Island.

[wretchlikeme]

It’s really funny how houses burn to dust, cars including aluminum wheels melted, yet trees right next to them are untouched. Makes you wonder doesn’t it?

[worldpeac]

I can’t think of a worse way to die than burning alive other than drowning:( My hearts are with these victims❤

[mauricioiii]

An elementary school burnt to the ground the children were at home there are 1000 people not accounted for how many are children???? Report the real news I dare you …

[islandboy]

The fire may have got a good part of the town,  but the fire will Never ever
Through The Ashes,  Lahaina Town  Will Rise Again.

[RSCL_BEATZ]

Canada has a huge logging industry. Couldn't they do something to contain these fires should they ignite? Should Canada mandate them to do it as part of their business model? What about it be part of our military duties, to protect our forests, rivers and wildlife. Not policing but physically doing projects that help protect them.

[lydiarivera]

God bless too, All the people that are doing their job trying to rescue people and searching for the lost one, for the missing one, God bless all those firemen that are always working hard 😓 to help everyone And putting out the fires 🔥 every where my heart 💜 goes to them too and the Heroes guys the officers 👮‍♀️ Always in their jobs the way is supposed to be, And God bless all in The, Channel that are always ready to give us all, All kind of News, Thank you 🙏 guys, you All the Greatest, I love you 😘❤️💕 All, God bless all of you, Hugs 🤗 kisses 😘 And, Plenty of Love 💕 from, Queen 👸

[kanank]

I can't accept the death of any pets. Humans are a living a disaster, evreyday.

[eringemini]

The firefighters were at different parts of the island fighting OTHER brush fires & answering to other emergencies when this happened. The Hurricane force WINDS coupled with fallow fields once used for agriculture now filled with dry, dead brush set up a "perfect storm" of conditions. Even IF ALL of the Fire Departments responded to Lahaina all at once they STILL would NOT have been able to FIGHT IT! No warning siren because the 80-90 mph Hurricane winds knocked down the poles and/or the fire consumed them therefore, no electricity/no 🚨 Sirens! FEMA will be on the ground 08/12 to recover the bodies from the houses & buildings. Sadly our death toll will rise substantially, as many people are still missing. Remember if you were planning on visiting Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and the Big Island are A-Ok to visit, so please dont postpone your trip JUST because of the terrible tragedy on one island, we NEED you visitors!🤙

[deborahmorton]

This announcer did a great job. Very well done!

[DoubleMrE]

As a Maui resident, I want to give a big mahalo to everyone who has or will donate for our recovery. ❤🤙

[mustwereallydothis]

"Unprecedented catastrophe " 😢 It seems we are hearing those words more frequently with every passing season these days. It's only going to continue. We're going to have to get used to it. The future is going to judge us very harshly, and we deserve it.

[usbackcountry]

And President Bidens response from his beach chair was: "No comment".

[Bushkangaroo.]

I hope the “real truth” will come out about all these firestorms worldwide!

[gailweatherall]

God help these people...prayers are with you.

[shawnp]

DANGER! DANGER PEOPLE! THAT'S ALL WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND