Saudi Arabia, UAE urge citizens to leave, take precautions amid Hawaii wildfires

Saudi Arabia on Saturday urged citizens currently in Hawaii to leave and contact the Kingdom’s US embassy following devastating wildfires on the island of Maui.

Forest fires have destroyed several towns on the island, with thousands injured and the death toll climbing to at least 80.

The Kingdom’s embassy in the US called on Saudi nationals in Hawaii to “quickly leave the islands and adhere to safety regulations issued by local authorities,” a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency said.

The UAE has also issued warnings on social media to Emiratis in Hawaii to “exercise caution” due to the fires.

“It is important to stay away from fire-affected areas and follow the guidance issued by local authorities,” it added.

The wildfires are the state’s deadliest natural disaster for more than 60 years. A 1960 tsunami killed 61 people, while more than 150 were killed in a tsunami in 1946.

Territory-wide emergency systems are in place for natural disasters, which are sounded monthly to test their readiness.