Hawaii experienced its deadliest wildfire in a century, leaving 99 people dead and hundreds still missing in the devastating inferno that tore through parts of Maui. Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, expressed his grief during a news conference, confirming the new death toll and describing the scale of destruction as incredible. As firefighters continued battling flare-ups and rescue teams searched the charred remains of the historic town of Lahaina, the death toll from last Tuesday’s wildfire reached the highest number for a US wildfire in the past 100 years.
Driven by hurricane winds, the fast-moving fire spread at an alarming rate, covering a mile every minute. Governor Green stated that it was impossible to estimate the final death toll, but officials anticipate discovering between 10 and 20 victims daily over the next week and a half. The intensity of the fire was such that it made it difficult to identify remains, prompting responders to use DNA for identification purposes.
Since the restoration of cellphone service, the number of missing persons decreased from over 2,000 to approximately 1,300. The death toll in Maui has already surpassed the 86 lives claimed by California’s 2018 Camp fire, making it the most lethal fire since 1918. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the deadliest US wildfire on record was the 1871 Peshtigo fire in Wisconsin, which claimed 1,152 lives.
Climate scientists warn that such deadly wildfires will become more frequent as the global climate crisis worsens. In this case, the fire in Lahaina was fueled by dry conditions and hurricane winds blowing offshore. The town of 13,000 was virtually obliterated, with Governor Green stating that there is very little left.
Late on Sunday, Maui county reported that two fires, including the one that raged through Lahaina, had not yet been completely contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and Governor Green has pledged to examine the emergency response to the fires, particularly the failure of sirens intended to warn residents.
As the people of Hawaii continue to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, frustration towards the government’s response is mounting. Questions have been raised regarding the adequacy of warnings during the wildfire and the distribution of aid in the days that followed. Residents argue that they are not receiving the necessary assistance.
Several efforts have been mobilized to support those affected by the tragedy. Boat tour companies are using their vessels to make deliveries, while a members-only air service is utilizing its cargo hold to bring donations to the island. Residents in and around Lahaina have organized donation hubs where supplies are distributed, alongside providing medical care.
Former President Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, appeared in a video to raise funds for the impacted areas. Urging people to go beyond thoughts and prayers, Obama asked the public to support the American Red Cross and Malama Maui in providing direct assistance to those in desperate need. The estimated cost to rebuild Lahaina is around $5.5 billion according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the increasing severity of wildfires due to the climate crisis. Additionally, it highlights the importance of effective emergency response and timely warnings to protect lives and mitigate damage. As the cleanup and rebuilding efforts unfold, the people of Hawaii remain resilient, while also calling for greater support from the government in addressing their immediate needs.
