Maui Wildfire Death Toll Rises to 89 in Deadliest US Wildfire in 100 Years
The death toll in the Maui wildfire continues to rise as search teams and cadaver dogs sift through the remains of burned buildings in the devastated communities. As of Saturday night, at least 89 people have died, and the number is expected to increase. The National Fire Protection Association states that this fire is now the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century.
Firefighters have made some progress in containing the blazes that have destroyed entire communities, but officials warn that they do not know how many people are still missing. The wildfires, fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since it became a state in 1959. All three fires are still active, and while there have been improvements in containment, the risk of flare-ups remains.
Evacuations continue as new fires erupt in different areas. People in Kaanapali were forced to evacuate after a fire was spotted in the neighborhood. The fire was later contained, but the constant threat of new fires has left residents on edge. The deadly fire in Lahaina is now 85% contained, while the Pulehu fire in Kihei is 80% contained. The third fire in Maui’s central Upcountry is 50% contained.
Search and recovery teams are using cadaver dogs to locate missing individuals and potential victims. So far, crews have not searched inside buildings, and the deaths that have been confirmed likely occurred outdoors as people were trying to escape the flames.
The fires have displaced thousands of people, with many seeking shelter and expressing uncertainty about the future. The governor has urged those who can help to take in victims, and a hotline will be established to connect displaced residents with available accommodations. Communication has been compromised in some areas due to severed lines, and many have not heard from their loved ones in days.
The response to the wildfires is now under review, with Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez leading a comprehensive investigation into the decisions made before and during the fires. The state’s warning sirens were not activated, and emergency communications were limited, leaving many residents without crucial information.
Water in certain areas is unsafe to drink, and residents are advised to use bottled water for drinking and other purposes. Power restorations are underway, with about 5,000 outages still active.
While the full scope of the destruction is yet to be determined, initial estimates suggest that losses could reach billions of dollars. Maui County alone has estimated $5.52 billion in capital exposure, which is the estimated cost to rebuild following the damage caused by the Lahaina Fire. However, FEMA has stated that it is too early to determine the cost of rebuilding, and the reported figure does not reflect any damage estimations from the agency.
As residents wait to return to their homes and assess the damage, some express frustration over the lack of access. The state has prioritized ensuring that people are fed and have a place to stay, and the assessment of the damage will come later.
The Maui wildfire remains a devastating tragedy, and recovery efforts are ongoing. The community will continue to come together to support those affected and rebuild what has been lost.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-13 06:40:00