DFA: No Filipinos hurt in Hawaii fires
Wildfire devastation is seen outside Lahaina, Hawaii, on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. The search of the wildfire wreckage on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Thursday revealed a wasteland of burned-out homes and obliterated communities as firefighters battled the deadliest blaze in the U.S. in recent years. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
MANILA, Philippines — No Filipinos have been hurt yet in the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega reported zero Filipino victims on Friday.
“Walang foreign nationals na reported affected, kasama ang mga Pilipino. Remember, ang mga Pilipino, nagtatrabaho sa mga main cities. Forest fire yun no,” De Vega in the Laging Handa public briefing.
(No foreigners were reported to be affected, including Filipinos. Remember, Filipinos usually work in the main cities. That is a forest fire.)
“We’re monitoring the situation. Ang magandang balita, walang affected na Pilipino, so far,” he added.
(The good news is there are no affected Filipinos so far.)
De Vega mentioned that Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, Emil Fernandez, is giving DFA updates on the situation.
Wildfires have been spreading in Maui since Tuesday, claiming the lives of dozens of people and forcing thousands of others to flee.
More than four thousand Filipinos live in the resort town of Lahaina in Maui.
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii, known for its beautiful beaches.
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