Maui Wildfire Death Toll Now at 53, Expected To Rise

Authorities are expecting that the death toll in the wildfires that ravaged the Island of Maui will spike in the coming days.

(Photo : Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

Citing information from Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry Maui fire authorities, the County of Maui disclosed that the number of fatalities already climbed to 53.

Records showed that of the total number, 36 have been confirmed on Wednesday, August 9.

On the other hand, 17 deaths were added and confirmed on Thursday, August 10.

At a press conference, Governor Josh Green lamented that the island would see that the number of deaths are piling up.

"As you know, the number has been rising and we will continue to see loss of life. We also see many hundreds of home destroyed," Green told reporters.

"It's a heartbreaking day, what we've seen today has been catastrophic but we tell you there are going to be a team effort to bring our state back," Green vowed.

Search for unaccounted family members

Officials from the County of Maui, meanwhile, announced that a Family Assistance Center has been opened at the Kahului Community Center in order to extend assistance to individuals who are looking for information about their family members and loved ones who are unaccounted for and could be affected by the damaging flames in the county.

Following this, the Maui Emergency Management Agency will also distribute and pass out forms, which will be filled by residents so that they could get assistance in the process of locating their unaccounted relatives and loved ones.

Authorities also said that those who are trying to search for their family members, who may be affected by the blaze, may contact the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767 for assistance.

Furthermore, two additional shelters were also opened to cater to the needs of displaced residents.

These additional evacuation facilities are located at King's Cathedral Maui at 777 Maui Veteran's Highway in Kahului and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway in Kahului.

80% contained

Officials said that the wildfire, which caused massive damage in Lahaina town, was reported to be 80% contained.

Fortunately, the Fire Department bared that it is making progress when it comes to curbing the Lahaina fire as well as the ravaging flames in Pulehu and Upcountry Maui.

Fire personnel in Lahaina were able to further secure the perimeter of wildland areas that got burned. Efforts continue including patrolling operations in places with massive damage because of the fires.

Based on the Civil Air Patrol flyovers more than 270 structures and establishments have been adversely affected by the fire in Lahaina town.

The Pulehu fire, meanwhile, was reported to be 70% contained as response teams already used heavy equipment in order to create firebreaks through the night.

Firefighters are still in the process of securing the perimeter.

On the other hand, officials are still prohibiting the entry into Lahaina as the firefighting effort continues.

The Honoapiilani Highway is open for those who want to leave the West Maui region. Moreover, travelers can also leave the area through Waiheʻe.

Experts earlier said they are already considering other factors that have triggered the wildfire aside from the fueling of Hurricane Dora.

Some possible reasons for the wildfires' massive spread are the low humidity and dry vegetation, as well as climate change.

United States President Joe Biden already gave a green light on declaring that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii. The highest American official also tasked the Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the blaze.

The White House said that the assistance could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, as well as other programs that will help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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