The aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Maui has left around 850 people still missing, County Mayor Richard Bissen announced.
While over 1,200 individuals previously listed as missing have been located safely, Mayor Bissen cautioned that these numbers are expected to change as the situation evolves.
Tragically, 114 confirmed deaths have been reported due to the fires, making this catastrophe the worst natural disaster in Hawaii state history. The fires wreaked havoc on the historic Maui town of Lahaina, leaving a profound impact on the community.
In a heartfelt video message, Mayor Bissen acknowledged the profound changes the fires have brought, emphasizing the importance of unity as they collectively navigate this period of mourning and recovery.
The process of identifying the victims is ongoing, with 27 of the deceased identified and 11 families notified. As the extent of the devastation becomes clearer, stories of those who perished are emerging, highlighting the diverse lives that have been affected.
Mayor Bissen noted that the reduced figure of 850 missing individuals is a positive development compared to the initial count of over 2,000 in the aftermath of the fires. He appealed to those still seeking loved ones to provide DNA samples to aid in the recovery efforts.
President Joe Biden is slated to make his first visit to the island since the fires’ onset. He plans to meet with fire victims, including residents of Lahaina, first responders, and local officials. In a statement, President Biden expressed his commitment to assisting Maui in its recovery and rebuilding efforts.
However, the president has faced criticism, particularly from Republicans, who argue that his response to the devastation has been inadequate. Local officials have also faced scrutiny, with Maui’s emergency management chief resigning amid criticism over the agency’s alarm system’s failure during the fire.
As the recovery process continues, experts caution that both locating and identifying victims could take months or even years due to the extensive destruction and the condition of remains.
President Biden intends to appoint a federal emergency official to oversee long-term recovery efforts on the island, as the community strives to heal and rebuild.
-BBC-
