As death toll from Maui fire reaches 93, authorities say effort to count the losses is just starting

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The death toll from a devastating wildfire in the historic Maui town has reached 93, and authorities warned on Saturday that the process of finding and identifying the deceased is only in its early stages. This makes it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over 100 years.

John Pelletier, Maui Police Chief, revealed that cadaver dog teams have covered only 3% of the search area, emphasizing that the size of the containment area, at least 5 square miles, is filled with the victims, and that the death toll is expected to rise.

Federal emergency workers have begun surveying the charred remains of the centuries-old town of Lahaina, marking the ruins of homes and finding human remains in a landscape devastated by a fire that was hot enough to melt metal.

Governor Josh Green has labeled this the worst natural disaster Hawaii has ever faced, as at least 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed, with an estimated damage close to $6 billion. Recovery efforts will take a substantial amount of time.

Other fires continue to burn on Maui, although no fatalities have been reported from them. The displacement of people has become a significant concern, with as many as 4,500 people in need of shelter.

Identifying the dead remains a difficult task, and those with missing family members are being urged to provide DNA tests to aid in identification.

Retired fire captain Geoff Bogar shared a heart-wrenching story of survival while losing his close friend and pet dog. Such personal tragedies underline the severe impact of the wildfire.

The latest toll has exceeded previous deadly wildfires in U.S. history and has become Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster in decades.

Factors such as a dry summer, strong winds, and limited firefighting resources contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, with the U.S. Fire Administrator emphasizing the unusual and incredibly fast movement of the flames.

The response and the policies surrounding these types of emergencies will be reviewed to enhance safety in the future, recognizing that weather patterns and natural disasters are changing.

Despite the tragedy, the community has come together to support each other, with efforts including supplies for those who have lost their homes and volunteer work at emergency shelters.

The situation remains a profound reminder of the vulnerability to natural disasters, as well as the resilience and compassion of the community. The outpouring of support is a testament to the “aloha” spirit that still exists among the people of Hawaii, even in the face of unprecedented tragedy.

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• Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group
• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
• U.S. Fire Administration
• Pacific Disaster Center