When we think of Hawaii, our minds conjure picturesque images of breathtaking landscapes, lush tropical rainforests, and the clean, crystal-clear waters lapping at white sand beaches.

But tragically, a wildfire swept the Hawaiian island of Maui on August 8th. It was the most catastrophic wildfire disaster in the United States in the past 100 years.

The aftermath is heartbreaking, with centuries-old historical sites reduced to ashes and a reported death toll of 97, while the count of missing people is over a thousand.

The Maui wildfire, like many other wildfires, is thought to have been caused by climate change; this time, it was due to a combination of powerful hurricanes and prolonged drought.

It is suspected that the strong winds from the hurricane severed power lines, causing sparks that rapidly spread with the wind. These challenges related to climate change have made it increasingly difficult for the world to combat wildfires like this.

In the face of such devastation, we hope for a swift recovery and support in rebuilding their landscapes and communities, so that people can find normalcy in their lives again.

L.L.F reporter Min-a Lee