At least 850 individuals are still missing following the deadly wildfire in Maui, Hawaii.
According to Mayor Richard Bissen, more than 2,000 names have been originally listed as missing individuals and through the course of time, the number has significantly decreased.
"There are currently 850 names on the list of missing persons. There is positive news in this number because when this process began, the missing persons list contain over 2,000 names. Through the tireless work of the FBI and Maui Police Department, over 1,285 individuals have been located safe," Bissen said in a video message.
Bissen expressed hope that in the coming days, the number of missing individuals would soon decline.
The official also encouraged those residents who have missing and unaccounted family members and loved ones to go to the Family Assistance Center.
Authorities also said more or less 2,000 people have remained without power and that 10,000 were without telecommunications connectivity.
85% of the disaster area already searched for
According to the County of Maui, the number of fatalities in the massive blaze was still at 114 as 85% of the disaster area was already searched by personnel and cadaver dogs.
Authorities said there were no new positive identifications of the deceased to be announced at this time, noting that the names will be released upon notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has continued to extend support as regards the victim identification efforts.
When it comes to containing the fire, the blaze in Olinda was already 85% contained, with an estimated 1,081 acres.
Amid this, authorities from the Maui Fire Department has continued to assist the State Division of Forestry and Wildfire in this joint fire-fighting effort.
On the other hand, Kula fire is also already 85% contained, having an estimate of 202 acres. Meanwhile, the Lahaina fire is now 90% contained, with an estimated 2,170 acres.
Firefighters were also able to contain Pulehu / Kihei fire by 100%. Fire officials have continued to monitor the area even though there are no active threats at this time.
Still, water in most parts of west Maui is not safe to drink.
Until further notice, residents in the said areas should only use bottled water or potable water provided from tankers for things like drinking, brushing teeth, ice-making, and food preparation.
Biden's visit
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden paid a visit in Maui to assess the damage of the wildfire disaster area in Lahaina. The First Couple also met with the survivors and first responders who were adversely by the powerful blaze.
Biden received a situation briefing from Major General Kenneth Hara, the Incident Commander for the Lahaina wildfire disaster.
Biden assured Maui residents that they would all rise from the disaster.
"To my left is the banyan tree beloved by this community for over 150 years. Today, it's burned, but it's still standing. The tree survived for a reason," Biden said. "I believe it is a very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to get through this crisis."
"We will be respectful of these sacred grounds and traditions and rebuild the way the people of Maui want to build, not the way others want to build," the President added.
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