More than a thousand people are still missing after flames ripped across Maui last week, bringing the verified death toll to 99 on Monday, August 14, according to local authorities.
Earlier, Hawaii's governor, Josh Green, said that the number of fatalities is likely to climb since rescuers may find another ten to twenty people every day.
According to CBS News, Mayor of Maui County Richard Bissen reported that 90 Federal Emergency Management Agency workers and 20 cadaver dogs were involved in the hunt. As of Monday night, just three individuals had been recognized, and authorities indicated they would only disclose names after notifying relatives.
Chief John Pelletier of the Maui County Police Department said on Monday that a quarter of the area had been searched. He emphasized that everyone not participating in the search and recovery operation should remain away from the scene.
Wildfires and Damage
Charred remains of a burned neighborhood are seen in the aftermath of a wildfire, in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on August 14, 2023.
Lahaina, a historic village on West Maui, was devastated by a fire that started last Tuesday, August 8, and quickly spread. Fires swept over the island at rates of up to 80 miles per hour, catching residents off guard since the island's emergency sirens never went off and other warning devices went offline.
Earlier, Green pointed out that the sirens are often used to warn of oncoming storms or tsunamis, and that without mobile phones, internet, and TV access, the sirens would not have been particularly useful.
Videos uploaded to social media sites showed individuals fleeing the wildfire by dashing into the water since the roads were so congested with vehicles. Initially, all victims were discovered in water or in automobiles.
According to Green, almost 2,200 buildings were destroyed, with over 86% being homes. Green said that 1,400 Airbnb apartments and 402 hotel rooms were made available to house those who had to evacuate their homes due to the flames. Additionally, 160 locals have opened their houses to those in need.
See Also: Toxic Particles from Maui Wildfire Pose Long-Term Health Hazards, Experts Warn
Concerns Over Land Grabs
Many locals have not had a chance to look at the damage, but they are worried about predatory property grabs anyhow. According to a statement released by the governor's office on Monday, "A top concern was that residents are being approached about selling fire-damaged home sites, by people posing as real estate agents who may have ill intent."
Green said that he and the attorney general were looking into the feasibility of placing a temporary sales ban on all damaged and destroyed properties. The governor issued a warning to potential purchasers, saying that they would be making a poor decision.
At a press conference on Monday, Maui County Fire Chief Bradford Ventura said that 85% of the Lahaina fire had been controlled and that 2,170 acres had been destroyed.
Officials also reported that they had confined 65% of the Upcountry Kula fire. An estimated 678 acres had been consumed by the blaze, and other hot spots were still blazing in gulches and other inaccessible areas.
