LAHAINA, HAWAII: A Hawaiian man who helped a Californian family of seven survive the wildfires on Thursday, August 10 has shared his relief upon learning that the family emerged from the ordeal without significant injuries.
Who is Jubee Bedoya?
Jubee Bedoya, a resident of Lahaina, described how he aided the family, recounting their experience as they floated together in the ocean for about two hours to escape the approaching flames. Astonishing footage captured them clinging to a piece of plywood in the water as the fire raged on land.
"As the fire got closer, there was a family - a couple from California," Bedoya told NBC 4 News. "They had five kids."
Bedoya recounted the family's situation, stating that the father handed him their two-year-old child, whom he held tightly for the duration of their time in the water.
"The dad gave me the two-year-old, and from that time that he gave him to me I had that son in my arms, clinging to my neck for about two hours. Two to three hours in the water. And it was crazy," he said.
"So the mom didn't want to come in," Bedoya added. "The husband grabbed her."
The family of seven, including the parents and five children from Fresno, were eventually rescued by the Coast Guard. Despite the family not yet speaking publicly about their ordeal, Dao Phonxaylinkham, the husband's sister, expressed gratitude to Bedoya for saving them.
Quoting the husband, the sister said, "It was terrifying, and they felt powerless." But, she added, "You can't see them die that way."
"I'm so glad to hear they made it out," Bedoya, who lost his own home in the disaster, told her. "Your little nephew - he was hanging on so tight to my neck. He was so terrified. I'm so happy they got out alive."
Apparently, the young boy remembered Bedoya's help. "He recalled that, you know," Phonxaylinkham said. "I asked who helped you. I said did you feel safe? And he replied: yeah, strong like my dad."
Bedoya requested that Phonxaylinkham convey his love and happiness for their safety.
Death toll from wildfires
The death toll from the wildfires has crossed 110, with Maui residents gradually recovering. Schools are reopening, and roads are being cleared, although several Lahaina schools required assessment due to wind damage.
The cause of the fire remained unknown, leading to a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric. The lack of sirens during the fire sparked debate, with Herman Andaya, the head of the island's emergency agency, defending the decision due to concerns it might have led people into the fire's path.
Besides, officials also faced criticism for water shortages and a chaotic evacuation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established a disaster recovery center in Maui to assist residents in accessing information and aid applications.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell mentioned that President Joe Biden would visit Maui to assess the damage and offer hope to the affected communities.
