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Hawaii mourns the dead in ferocious wildfires while officials warn the full toll is not yet known

by Gabriel Martinez
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fokus keyword Hawaii wildfires

Residents of Hawaii are grieving for those lost in intense wildfires, and authorities have cautioned that the full extent of the damage to people and the environment remains unclear, as recovery efforts are only beginning after the destruction caused by flames that moved incredibly quickly.

Teams of dogs and people are combing through neighborhoods reduced to ash, investigating burnt vehicles and homes for fatalities. The death toll stands at 96, making this the deadliest wildfire in the United States for over a hundred years. Two of the fires have yet to be completely brought under control, including one that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, according to an update from Maui County.

Even in areas where the fires have been suppressed, officials are warning of remaining toxic substances, including potential contamination in drinking water, resulting from the flames emitting hazardous fumes. As many people have lost their homes, authorities are planning to accommodate them in hotels and vacation rental properties.

One fire that engulfed Lahaina, a centuries-old town, has been contained by 85%, according to county officials, while another fire in Upcountry has been 60% contained. The destruction has left Lahaina almost entirely in ruins, a field of grey rubble sitting between the ocean and green hillsides.

The wildfires’ financial toll is significant, with an estimated value of $5.6 billion in damages. Only a small portion of the search area has been covered by rescue crews with cadaver dogs, and officials expect the death toll to rise further.

The exact cause of the wildfires is still being investigated, and the government is examining the response, especially after one fire thought to be extinguished flared up again. There was also a failure to activate warning sirens in Maui County, leading to reliance on social media for alerts.

Driven by a dry summer and strong winds from a nearby hurricane, the Maui fires moved through dry brush at an alarming speed, reaching temperatures of 1,000 degrees. The governor described the terrifying power of the flames, emphasizing that the destruction was immense.

These fires are now Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster in many years, surpassing both a 1960 tsunami and the 2018 Camp Fire in California. One church in Lahaina remained unscathed, and its congregation gathered for a Mass led by the Bishop of Honolulu, during which personal stories of loss were shared.

Officials are now urging tourists to avoid traveling to Maui, as hotels are being prepared to house evacuees and emergency workers. The governor announced the availability of 1,000 hotel rooms for displaced locals and FEMA workers, while some hotels will continue regular operations to maintain jobs and the local economy.

A collaborative effort with Airbnb is also underway to ensure that rental homes can be provided for residents. Stories of community support are emerging, like a cook at a Maui hotel who continues to serve meals, not to guests, but to hotel employees and family members affected by the fires.

Reporters from various locations contributed to this comprehensive report, and Big Big News has disclosed that its climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. The organization emphasizes that it retains full responsibility for the content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Hawaii wildfires

What is the death toll from the Hawaii wildfires, and is it a record?

The death toll from the Hawaii wildfires stands at 96, making this the deadliest wildfire in the United States for over a hundred years.

Which areas have been particularly affected by the fires?

The historic town of Lahaina has been demolished by the fires, and many other neighborhoods have been reduced to ash. Upcountry fire and other locations have also been severely affected.

What’s being done to assist those who lost their homes?

Authorities are planning to accommodate those who have lost their homes in hotels and vacation rental properties. Efforts are also being made to work with Airbnb to provide rental homes.

Are the wildfires completely contained?

As of the latest update, one fire that destroyed Lahaina has been 85% contained, while the Upcountry fire has been 60% contained. Efforts to completely contain the fires are ongoing.

What warnings have been given about toxic byproducts?

Officials have warned that toxic byproducts may remain even where the fire has retreated, including potential contamination in drinking water, as the flames emitted hazardous fumes.

How are the local community and businesses responding?

Hotels are preparing to house evacuees and emergency workers, with 1,000 rooms being made available. Community members, such as hotel employees, are supporting each other in various ways.

What is the estimated financial loss due to the wildfires?

The estimated financial loss from the destruction caused by the wildfires is around $5.6 billion.

Is tourism being affected by the wildfires?

Yes, Hawaii officials are urging tourists to avoid traveling to Maui as recovery efforts continue, and many hotels are being prepared to house evacuees and first responders.

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5 comments

Sarah_89 August 14, 2023 - 2:54 pm

where’s the government in all of this? they should have been more prepared! Why no sirens?? People are losing their homes!

Reply
Mike_Ocean August 14, 2023 - 3:46 pm

Lahaina was such a beautiful place visited it last summer. destruction is heart breaking ;(

Reply
Jenny Smith August 14, 2023 - 10:01 pm

Can’t believe whats happening in Hawaii, its like a nightmare! Stay safe everyone, my prayers are with you all.

Reply
TrevorJones August 15, 2023 - 12:36 am

Wow, 96 dead already… this is just tragic. Hope they can contain those fires soon, thinking of all the families affected.

Reply
Lucy_Momof2 August 15, 2023 - 10:10 am

My cousin lives in Maui, she’s safe but the house is gone. Thank you to all the first responders out there, you’re doing great work.

Reply

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