Amid the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in the wildfire-stricken Maui, survivors are facing another threat of natural disaster due to post-Tropical Cyclone Fernanda.
Citing information from the National Weather Service, the County of Maui said remnant moisture from Fernanda was forecasted to approach the state since late Sunday, adding that the highest rainfall in the area could be expected to occur between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.
Weather experts also said that rain showers are expected to be brief and would be focused over windward and mauka areas.
Authorities guaranteed the public that as the weather disturbance approaches, emergency response personnel are already deployed and have started putting up inlet protection devices at all street-level storm drain catch basins in the Lahaina disaster area to ensure safety of survivors.
In preparation, absorbent booms have been established by the United States Coast Guard at eight storm drain outfalls entering the ocean within the impacted areas of Lahaina town.
Officials, however, warned that even with protective measures in place, the runoff from heavy rains could also result in dangerous ocean water quality conditions, especially along shoreline areas between KÄÊ»anapali and Olowalu Landing.
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Wildfire fatalities
The death toll already climbed to 114, with 85% of the disaster area searched by retrieval personnel and cadaver dogs.
Some of the fatalities have already been identified upon notification of their family members.
"We will continue to work closely with the families to ensure that they are updated and supported throughout this process. We extend our gratitude to the community for their support and understanding during this challenging time," the County of Maui and the Maui Police Department said.
When it comes to fire control operations, firefighters have already contained 85% of Olinda fire, with an estimated 1,081 acres. At present, the Maui Fire Department is assisting the State Division of Forestry and Wildfire in this joint fire-fighting effort.
On the other hand, the Kula fire is already 85% contained, with an estimated 202 acres, while the Lahaina fire is 90% contained, having an estimated 2,170 acres.
The Pulehu/Kihei fire was already declared 100% contained and at present, there are no active threats observed by authorities.
Meanwhile, the Unsafe Water Advisory is still in effect for Lahaina and Upper Kula. Residents in these areas should only use bottled water or potable water provided from tankers for things like drinking, brushing teeth, ice-making, and food preparation until further notice.
Climate change
Officials are still investigating the main cause behind the deadly blaze.
However, Governor Josh Green said that climate change could have amplified the failures of officials to act properly on the massive wildfires.
He also said there has been a comprehensive review to determine whether power lines caused the initial fires.
At present, the disaster area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Meanwhile, late-night access on the road going to Lahaina is limited to West Maui residents, first responders, and West Maui employees from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., while all motorists may enter from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
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