Rising Missing Count and Uncertainty Surrounding Maui Wildfires
The number of missing individuals from the devastating wildfires in Maui has escalated to approximately 1,100, leading to confusion over the reporting methods. Authorities have expressed concerns that some victims may never be found, as search teams are coming across bodies that have disintegrated due to the intensity of the fire.
The surge in the list of unaccounted people from 800 to 1,100 is attributed to the ambiguous or incomplete information provided. Both local authorities and the FBI have requested family members to submit DNA samples for identification purposes.
Officials have cautioned that the number of missing persons could potentially rise further, while the confirmed death toll currently stands at 115. The FBI has compiled a preliminary list of unaccounted individuals, containing between 1,000 and 1,100 names. Unfortunately, many of these entries lack crucial details, with some records only presenting a first or last name and no date of birth.
The list has been constructed from various sources including shelter logs, the Red Cross, FEMA, Maui Emergency Management Agency, missing persons reports filed with the Maul Police Department, and individuals reported missing at the local family assistance center. Although the initial list initially involved 2,500 names, officials have since located 1,400 individuals who are safe.
Unfortunately, it remains challenging to determine the number of child fatalities, as Maui Police Chief John Pelletier acknowledges. While officials have not yet identified any minors through DNA analysis, they cannot accurately assess the overall situation due to the fragmented nature of the recovered remains.
The FBI has encountered difficulties due to the lack of crucial information, such as complete names, in the reports about missing individuals. Efforts are underway to explore social media and publicly available information to contact those who initially filed the missing persons reports, aiming to obtain additional details that aid in identification.
The local family assistance center has so far collected DNA samples from only 104 families. Julie French, working alongside the rapid DNA company ANDE to facilitate the identification process, revealed that three-quarters of the tested remains have yielded usable results.
Authorities have expressed concerns about the low number of family members submitting DNA samples compared to previous major disasters. Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin, who oversees the assistance center, stressed that the sole purpose of collecting these samples is to identify victims. He emphasized that the data would not be entered into law enforcement databases or deployed for any other purposes, and individuals would not face inquiries about their immigration status.
Meanwhile, Merrill, the FBI’s agent in charge, urged individuals who filed missing person reports to ensure the information they provided is up to date and comprehensive. Essential details such as date of birth, physical description, family relations, and contact information are crucial for effective identification.
Officials emphasize that the count of missing individuals may still increase as information continues to be gathered. Search operations in Lahaina have already covered all single-story homes, with focus now shifting to multi-story residential and commercial properties.
However, Chief Pelletier cautioned that despite exhaustive efforts to locate human remains in every damaged structure, there will likely be victims who will never be recovered, reminiscent of the situation following the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Reflecting on that tragic event, he noted that while the devastation in Maui is not comparable to the level witnessed in the fallen towers, an entire town has been obliterated.
Chief Pelletier also addressed claims that police officers closed roads out of Lahaina during the fire, potentially endangering lives. Denying these allegations, he stated that the aim was to prevent people from encountering live power lines. Police officers tirelessly went door to door, urging residents to evacuate, and ensuring everyone’s safety to the best of their abilities.
While the situation surrounding the Maui wildfires remains challenging, authorities and search teams are leaving no stone unturned in their mission to locate and identify every unaccounted-for individual. The cooperation and support from affected families, communities, and the public are vital in this ongoing endeavor to honor those who lost their lives and provide closure to their loved ones.
