Deadly Wildfires Ravage Maui, Hawaii: Search Continues for Victims
LAHAINA, Hawaii – The wildfires that have swept across Maui continue to devastate the island, with Hawaii’s governor warning that the death toll could continue to rise. As search crews scour through neighborhoods destroyed by the flames, more bodies are expected to be found.
The historic town of Lahaina has been hit particularly hard by the blazes, which have already become the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century. At least 96 people have lost their lives, and the cause of the fires is currently under investigation.
Governor Josh Green expressed his concerns in an interview with “CBS Mornings,” stating, “We are prepared for many tragic stories. They will find 10 to 20 people per day, probably, until they finish. And it’s probably going to take 10 days. It’s impossible to guess, really.”
As cellphone service slowly returns, the number of missing people has dropped from over 2,000 to approximately 1,300. However, the search for survivors continues, with twenty cadaver dogs and numerous searchers combing through the ashes of devastated neighborhoods.
Firefighters have been facing challenges in containing the inferno, partly due to a limited water supply. Some officials have blamed a recent ruling by an environmental court judge, which has caused a shortage of water available for firefighting efforts. This ruling is part of a long-standing battle between environmentalists and private companies over water diversion from East Maui streams.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to assist the displaced residents. Evacuees are expected to begin moving into hotels, with 500 rooms being made available for displaced locals. An additional 500 rooms will be reserved for workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who are aiding in the recovery.
FEMA has also started providing $700 to displaced residents to cover the cost of essential supplies, on top of any assistance they may qualify for to address the loss of homes and personal property. Over 3,000 people have registered for federal aid so far.
The Biden administration is seeking an additional $12 billion for the government’s disaster relief fund as part of its supplemental funding request to Congress.
The wildfires have left Lahaina in ruins, with an estimated value of $5.6 billion lost. Toxic byproducts and concerns over drinking water contamination remain even as the fires retreat. Many residents have lost their homes and face an uncertain future.
The Red Cross has set up five shelters to house 575 evacuees, including the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. Among those helping out is Oprah Winfrey, a part-time Maui resident, who has been providing support and supplies to the affected residents.
While firefighters battle the blazes, there have been legal disputes over access to water. A recent court order by Judge Jeffrey Crabtree temporarily suspended water caps, allowing the distribution of water for firefighting purposes. However, the state attorney general’s office later filed a petition with the state Supreme Court, blaming the judge for the lack of water available for firefighting.
Environmental activists and private companies involved in water diversion have also become embroiled in the legal battle. The Sierra Club accused the attorney general’s office of exploiting the tragedy to benefit a private company’s water monopolization.
As the devastation continues, Maui faces a long road to recovery. The flames, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have wreaked havoc on the island. With the wildfires moving as fast as a mile per minute, the destruction they have caused is undeniable.
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage, which contributed to this report, is supported by several private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content.