Hawaii Governor Josh Green has issued a warning that the death toll from the recent wildfires in the state could potentially double or even triple over the next 10 days. As emergency responders and cadaver dogs search through the devastation left by the fires, the grim task of finding charred human remains continues. So far, at least 96 deaths have been confirmed on the island of Maui, making it the deadliest wildfire in the US in a century. However, with the ongoing search efforts, more fatalities are expected to be discovered.
Governor Green spoke about the difficult and unpredictable nature of the search, stating that emergency responders may find 10 to 20 bodies per day until the search is complete, a process which is estimated to take 10 days. The historic coastal town of Lahaina was severely impacted by the fast-moving inferno, with survivors reporting a lack of warning before the fire reached them. The destroyed town, once a vibrant tourist hub, is now filled with rubble and ash, offering only scenes of complete devastation.
Efforts to identify the victims have been challenging due to the intense heat of the fire, which has caused human remains to melt metal. Police are encouraging people with missing relatives to provide DNA samples to aid in the identification process. At this stage, the number of missing individuals has been reduced from over 2,000 to around 1,300 as residents regain cell phone communication and reconnect with their loved ones.
This devastating wildfire has sparked questions about the preparedness of authorities, despite Hawaii’s exposure to various natural hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and storms. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric, the state’s largest power company, accusing them of failing to shut off power during conditions of high fire danger, which allegedly led to loss of life and extensive damage. Hawaiian Electric has declined to comment due to the ongoing litigation and emphasizes that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The wildfire in Maui currently stands as the deadliest in the US since 1918, when 453 people lost their lives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of effective emergency alerts during the crisis, with power outages hindering residents from receiving vital information on their cell phones. Sirens were not sounded, forcing many residents to rely on word of mouth or their own observations to learn about the advancing fire.
Extreme weather events have been occurring on various continents this summer, with record-breaking wildfires in Canada and a major heatwave in the US southwest. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and severity of these hazards to human-induced global warming. The impacts of the fires in Lahaina have been devastating, with over 2,700 buildings damaged or destroyed, resulting in an estimated $5.5 billion in damages.
Despite the destruction, communities have come together with initiatives to support those affected by the tragedy. Hundreds of hotel rooms have been offered to victims free of charge, and there are plans to explore long-term rehousing options using Airbnb vacation homes. Furthermore, volunteers, including celebrity chefs, have prepared thousands of fresh meals for those impacted by the fire. This display of resilience and support within the community highlights the spirit of aloha that the Hawaiian people embrace, even in the face of such a tragic event.
