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Rising Death Toll

by Madison Thomas
5 comments
fokus keyword Maui wildfires

Follow live updates as wildfires continue to burn in various parts of Maui, Hawaii, destroying historical structures and forcing people to evacuate. The National Weather Service attributes part of the blame to Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the island chain, causing strong winds that initially fueled the flames, leading to power outages and grounding firefighting helicopters.

Rising Death Toll

As of Thursday night, Maui County confirmed that the death toll had risen to 55, an increase of two fatalities from the Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry fires. The statement also mentioned that the Lahaina fire is still active.

Urging Patience as Body Search Continues

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen emphasized in a news conference that the process of locating and identifying those who have died in Lahaina is still underway. Search and rescue teams from California and Washington state have been deployed to assist, using specialized disaster skills such as dogs trained to find human remains.

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier called for patience, prayers, and perseverance, acknowledging that the search for bodies in the rubble is a difficult and painful process.

Images provided by Maxar Technologies depict the devastation in Lahaina, including areas such as Banyan Court, before and after the wildfire.

Fire Chief Brad Ventura warned the public to stay away from the affected areas, citing the dangers posed by falling objects like telephone poles.

Bissen also noted the chaos caused by 29 downed power poles, which hindered evacuation routes, contributing to severe traffic jams.

Relatives Seek Information

Many relatives, such as Kimberly Buen from California, are frantically seeking information about their loved ones trapped in Lahaina. Local officials have set up a Family Assistance Center to help locate missing individuals.

Governor Confirms Death Toll at 53

The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, announced on Thursday that the death toll had reached 53, referring to the wildfire as “the largest natural disaster of this generation in Hawaii.” The destruction included more than 1,000 structures, with Lahaina being particularly hard-hit.

Donation Guidelines

Experts in philanthropy are advising potential donors to support organizations with strong local ties and community knowledge, and to wait until the full scope of the need is assessed. GoFundMe is an option for those looking to contribute, with the site conducting additional verification of fundraisers.

Lahaina’s Grim Scene

Images and accounts emerging from Lahaina describe an area once lively and vibrant now reduced to destruction. An aerial view revealed communities turned into rubble, with charred vehicles and collapsed structures.

Presidential Support

President Joe Biden has pledged immediate federal aid to the wildfire survivors in Maui, promising to streamline the process for federal assistance and deploy emergency personnel.

The disaster declaration for the state has been approved, allowing for federal funding that will help with temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans, and support for those who have suffered losses.

Ongoing Efforts

While efforts to contain the fires continue, the situation is still not fully under control. Hawaii’s leaders are focusing on life preservation and search and rescue, and firefighting and emergency rescue operations remain a priority.

Mass Evacuation

A significant evacuation operation resumed Thursday north of Lahaina, with buses transporting residents and visitors to shelters and airports.

Official Warning of Rising Death Toll

Hawaii’s officials have warned that the death toll could rise further, with fires still active and search teams working through destroyed areas.

Devastation in Historic Lahaina

The wildfires have caused extensive damage in Lahaina, destroying historical buildings and leaving a scene described by one observer as looking like a bomb had exploded. Even boats in the harbor were burned.

Lahaina’s historical significance includes its role as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom under Kings Kamehameha II and III and as a main port for the North Pacific whaling fleet.


This story had contributions from various Big Big News journalists, including Mark Thiessen, Ty O’Neil, Christopher Weber, Audrey McAvoy, Claire Rush, Jennifer Kelleher, Christopher Megerian, Bobby Caina Calvan, and Caleb Jones, reporting from different locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Maui wildfires

What caused the wildfires in Maui?

The wildfires were initially driven by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the island chain.

How many lives have been lost in the Maui wildfires?

As of the latest report, the death toll has climbed to 53.

Are the fires still active?

Yes, as of the last statement, some fires were still active, including the Lahaina fire.

What is being done to find and identify the victims?

Search and rescue teams from California and Washington state have been deployed to Maui to assist in locating and identifying the bodies. Authorities are also using dogs trained to find human remains.

Who is providing assistance in the aftermath of the fires?

President Joe Biden has pledged federal disaster aid, and various emergency personnel have been mobilized on Maui, including the Coast Guard, Air Force, and the Hawaii National Guard.

How can people donate to support the victims of the Maui wildfires?

Philanthropy experts recommend waiting to donate until the full scope of need is known, and then donating through organizations with deep local ties or vetted crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe.

Were any historic locations affected by the wildfires?

Yes, the historic town of Lahaina was severely damaged, with many buildings reduced to charred rubble.

What is the situation regarding evacuation and transportation in the affected areas?

A mass evacuation effort was launched, but 29 downed power poles with live wires created chaos and traffic jams. Only one narrow highway was left open, and officials warned people to stay away from the hazardous burn area.

How are family members being assisted in finding missing loved ones?

Maui officials have opened a Family Assistance Center, and the Maui Emergency Management Agency is helping to locate the missing.

What are the estimated damages to structures in Maui?

It’s estimated that more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed, including much of Lahaina town, which has been described as looking like “a bomb was dropped on it.”

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5 comments

JamesT August 11, 2023 - 7:15 pm

This is such a tragedy! I can’t belive whats happened to Maui. My heart goes out to all the victims and their familes.

Reply
Mikael89 August 11, 2023 - 9:16 pm

Does anyone know how to help? Want to donate but dont know whos legit.

Reply
TommyG August 11, 2023 - 9:50 pm

i got family out in Hawaii, theyre safe but so many arnt. Dont know what to say. Its just sad.

Reply
Linda'sWorld August 11, 2023 - 11:18 pm

Theres so much devastation everywhere you look these days. Fires, hurricanes. Where does it end? We need to take care of our planet.

Reply
Sara_M August 12, 2023 - 4:06 am

i was just there last summer, it was beautiful, i cant even imagine what it looks like now its all so heartbreaking…

Reply

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