North America

An early update on Maui’s wildfire with our Hawaii bureau

In the following video, we are joined by Alfred Acenas, our Hawaii Bureau Chief. Alfred takes us through a detailed update on the wildfire situation in its early aftermath. He sheds valuable insights into the ongoing efforts, challenges, and impact of the wildfire that has captured the attention of communities across the region and the world.  

Hawaii fire death toll nears 100, anger grows

LAHAINA, United States, Aug 13, 2023 (AFP) – The death toll in Hawaii from the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century was expected to cross the 100-mark Sunday, fueling criticism that an inadequate official response contributed to the heavy loss of life. Officials updated the toll to 93 late Saturday, but warned the figure was likely to rise as recovery crews with cadaver dogs continued the grim task of searching burned out homes […]

Musk says cage fight with Zuckerberg will be in Italy

WASHINGTON, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Elon Musk said Friday that his much-hyped cage fight with Mark Zuckerberg would take place in Italy, as authorities there confirmed talks about hosting a “great charity event.” While any showdown between the two tech titans has yet to be officially confirmed, Musk said on his X social media platform — formerly known as Twitter — that arrangements were advancing. “I spoke to the PM of Italy and Minister […]

US Justice Dept names special counsel to probe Biden’s son

WASHINGTON, Aug 11, 2023 (AFP) – The US Justice Department on Friday escalated its investigation into President Joe Biden’s son Hunter, naming a special counsel amid allegations of tax fraud and illicit overseas business deals. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed prosecutor David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019 on low-level tax and gun charges. The announcement came just as Weiss told the federal court in Delaware that a plea deal struck with […]

Death toll hits 80 as Hawaii starts probe into wildfire handling

LAHAINA, United States, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Hawaii’s chief legal officer said Friday she was opening a probe into the handling of devastating wildfires that killed at least 80 people in the state this week, as criticism grows of the official response. The announcement and increased death toll came as residents of Lahaina were allowed back into the town for the first time — with most finding their homes reduced to ashes, and even […]

Hawaii starts probe into wildfire handling, as toll hits 67

LAHAINA, United States, Aug 12, 2023 (AFP) – Hawaii’s chief legal officer said Friday she was opening a probe into the handling of devastating wildfires that killed at least 67 people in the state this week, as criticism grows of the official response. The announcement came as residents of Lahaina were allowed back into the town for the first time — with most finding their homes had been reduced to ashes, and even the lucky […]

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried jailed after bail revoked

NEW YORK, Aug 11, 2023 (AFP) – A US federal judge on Friday ordered FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried back to prison less than two months before his trial on fraud charges, revoking the disgraced cryptocurrency tycoon’s bail over alleged attempts to tamper with witnesses. Bankman-Fried, 31, has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, as well as election finance violations, in connection with the spectacular collapse of his […]

Hawaii’s deadly wildfire: what we know

What we saw today was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawai‘i state history. pic.twitter.com/63Wh77QEhY — Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) August 11, 2023 KAHULUI, United States, Aug 11, 2023 (AFP) – The terrifying wildfire that destroyed a historic Hawaiian town seems to have caught many occupants unaware. Here’s what we know about the fire that razed Lahaina, a town on Maui’s west coast popular with tourists, and why it was so deadly. – How did […]

Amidst the wildfire aftermath in Hawaii

Lahaina’s Devastation: Aerial Shot Reveals Wildfire-Destroyed Boat Amidst the Aftermath on August 11, 2023 in Hawaii. The town of Lahaina suffered immense loss and displacement as a wind-driven wildfire struck, resulting in numerous casualties and thousands displaced. Ongoing search operations are focused on locating missing individuals. AFP

Wildfire advisory for Filipino Community in the Big Island and Maui

Residents of Filipino descent residing in regions impacted by the Hurricane Dora-sparked wildfires are urged to prioritize safety. Stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders promptly, and stay informed through local updates. A recent declaration from the Office of the Governor, dated August 9, 2023, strongly advises against nonessential travel to Maui Island. For assistance, affected Filipino nationals can reach out to the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu via the emergency hotline: (808) 253-9446.  

Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise

  KAHULUI, United States, Aug 11, 2023 (AFP) – A terrifying wildfire that left a historic Hawaiian town in charred ruins has killed at least 55 people, authorities said Thursday, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state’s history. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii’s Maui island — fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane — broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina. The flames moved […]

Like a warzone: Hawaii’s fleeing tourists tell of escape

KAHULUI, United States, Aug 11, 2023 (AFP) – Tourists fleeing Hawaii’s deadly wildfire told Thursday how they had been trapped without food and power for days, but felt lucky to be escaping somewhere that “looks like a warzone.” Dozens of people perished when a fast-moving fire tore through the historic settlement of Lahaina, destroying hundreds of buildings on Maui island. Thousands of locals have been left homeless, and tourists have been urged to leave to […]