Most Fatalities In Maui Wildfires Not Yet Identified; Cadaver Dogs Only Looked At 3% Of Search Area

Most of the fatalities in the deadly Maui wildfires are yet to be identified due to the state of their bodies.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green disclosed that the number of deaths have reached to nearly a hundred and it is expected that the figure will keep on rising as search continues.

"We've had 96 fatalities confirmed. There would be more. Our hearts are broken. The people have passed," Green said in a video message.

The official said that there would be cadaver dogs that will help in the search and retrieval operations, and to also help in the assessment of the damage incurred from the massive flames.

"We'll have 20 dogs, these will help us assess all of the catastrophic changes at the homes where we do believe there will be others who have passed away," Green said.

Firefighting personnel are exhausting all efforts in containing the flare-ups while other local authorities have been working with federal agencies to identify those who died in the wildfires, dubbed as the largest natural disaster that hit Hawaii.

Authorities have called on residents who have missing family members to submit their DNA to also help in the identification process of the bodies.

The efforts of search dogs are expected to continue in the coming days as they have only looked and visited approximately 3% of the search area.

Flare-ups, roads, water advisory

So far, the fire in the Upcountry/Kula was already 60% contained, with an estimate of 678 acres affected.

Authorities said that hot spots in gulches as well as other areas that are difficult to reach have made establishment of complete control lines difficult.

When it comes to the Lahaina fire, 85% have been contained, with 2,179 acres. The government deployed multiple fire crews to monitor and address the flareups, noting that there are no active threats during this period.

On the other hand, the Pulehu/Kihei fire is already 100% contained.

However, firefighters continue to monitor and be vigilant for possible flare-ups. So far, there are no active threats being monitored.

When it comes to the road situations, the access into West Maui via Kahakuloa for West Maui residents has been opened while the access going into West Maui through Maalaea is still restricted for pre-approved.

Furthermore, exiting West Maui through Maalaea is open while exiting the area via the Kahakuloa has remained closed.

Authorities also advised residents in Lahaina and Upper Kula areas, in the maps of affected areas in Upcountry, and in Lahaina about the unsafe water.

This advisory remains in effect for certain areas until further notice as it states that residents should not drink and/or boil water.

Meanwhile, the bottled water should be used for all drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation until further notice.

Drinking water sites have been established in many areas of Lahaina and Kula.

Assistance

The United States government assured victims of assistance as they try to bounce back from the devastating wildfires. US President Joe Biden has expressed his deepest sympathies to the victims.

"As residents of Hawai'i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them," Biden said.

"Like I've said, not only our prayers are with those impacted - but every asset we have will be available to them," he added.

Biden made a commitment that the government is focused on providing aid to survivors, including Critical Needs Assistance or a one-time $700 payment per household offering relief these difficult times.

Biden said more personnel are on the ground to help survivors navigate the registration process.

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