Maui Wildfires Considered As Largest Natural Disaster With Death Toll Reaching 80; 2,170 Acres Put To Ashes

The wildfires that reduce the Island of Maui into ruins had claimed the lives of at least 80 individuals, latest official records showed.

(Photo : Getty Images/Paula Ramon)

The County of Maui confirmed that the number of fatalities already climbed to 80, with firefighters continuing to work in extinguishing flare-ups and containing huge flames in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui.

At present, authorities are still barricading the burned historic Lahaina town as they issued stern warning to residents to stay out of the area to avoid inhaling hazardous substances, including toxic particles from smoldering areas.

Residents are advised to wear a mask and gloves in the area.

Burned to ashes

According to the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the damage incurred to the Lahaina Fire already included a total of 2,207 structures destroyed and 2,170 acres burned to ashes.

Authorities said that 86% of the buildings exposed to the blaze have been classified as residentials.

They also gave an assessment that a total of 2,719 structures had been exposed to the massive wildfires.

Due to the devastation brought by the flames, Governor Josh Green dubbed this catastrophe as the "largest natural disaster" in Hawaii.

"It's going to take a great deal of time to recover from this, but we have the support from every level of government, especially given President Biden's approval of our disaster declaration request today," Green said in a post.

"It will be a tremendous effort, but we will come together as a community and begin working toward rebuilding from this tragedy," he added.

So far, the estimate cost to rebuild what was damaged in the fires was at $5.52 billion.

United States President Joe Biden already approved the declaration that a disaster had exist in Hawaii.

Biden had vowed to surge aid, resources, and personnel, as the state government will help the island to recover for as long as it takes.

So far, officials said that the Lahaina fire is already 85% contained while the Pulehu/Kihei fire is 80% contained. On the other hand, the blaze in Upcountry Maui fire is 50% contained.

Volunteers extending aid

The FEMA, together with its federal and local partners, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) member organizations, as well as other volunteer and faith-based organizations, continue to give assistance to survivors to address their immediate needs following the destructive wildfires in the island.

Authorities said they are focused on search and rescue operations and the assessment of damage in all the affected areas.

The County of Maui said volunteers had already distributed food, water, toiletries, canned goods, diapers, baby formula, clothing and even pet food at Lahaina Gateway Center this weekend.

Furthermore, donations of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene items will still be accepted.

Meanwhile, the county Department of Transportation had already coordinated buses to transport people staying at emergency shelters to the county Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing.

The move was done so that those presently staying at shelters can have their driver's licenses and state identification cards reissued, with fees being waived.

Earlier, authorities expressed belief that the wildfires was triggered by the powerful winds brought by Hurricane Dora.

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