Photo: nadik29/Depositphotos
The Hawaiian island of Maui is dealing with one of the biggest disasters in its history.
As of August 14, the deadly wildfires continue to ravage the island.
According toCNN, the death toll has risen to 99, with hundreds of people still unaccounted for.
Photo: nadik29/Depositphotos
In Lahaina, one of the most affected areas, the status of a natural landmark has raised concerns.
Will the beloved banyan tree survive the fires?
It was planted by the sheriff to mark the 5oth anniversary of the arrival of the first protestant mission.
Photo: PiKappa/Depositphotos
TheFicus benghalensisis not a species native to Hawai’i.
It was actually shipped from India, becoming a symbol of Hawai’i’s burgeoning multicultural exchange.
Ever since then, the banyan tree has become a gathering point for the local community.
At Christmas its branches were festooned with colored lights.
Given recent events, this might change.
However, though the tree caught fire, the latest report on the Lahaina banyan tree offers some hope.
Theres certainly evidence of scarring, and a lot is covered in ash, she said.
Still, there’s no way to determine how bad the damage is.
A tree thats gone through a fire that has even partial viable material can survive, Flook said.
Meanwhile,CBS Newsreports that the tree is heavily charredbut still standing.
Hawai’i Gov.
It’s like a burn victim itself, Green said.
Traumatized, much like the town.
She said, If it can pull through, it would be an absolutely amazing symbol.
Will the beloved Lahaina banyan tree survive the devastating Maui fires?
Banyan Tree in Lahaina smoldering at the base, but still standing.
