Hawaii intensifies search for 99 confirmed dead in Maui wildfires.

Tragedy Strikes Maui as Wildfires ⁤Claim ‌Lives and Devastate Communities

LAHAINA, Hawaii—In the aftermath of the ⁣devastating wildfires that tore through Maui, Hawaii officials are working tirelessly to identify the 99 people who tragically lost ‍their lives. ‍As the search for more ⁣victims continues, the first names of the deceased are expected‌ to be released on Tuesday.

It has ⁣been a week since the historic‌ town of Lahaina was engulfed in ‌flames, leaving many ​survivors displaced and homeless. ⁤However, the community has ⁤rallied together,⁣ providing support⁤ and‌ resources to⁤ those in need. Hotel ⁤rooms have been made ⁤available for the displaced locals, and donations of food, water, and other essentials have poured in.

Search and rescue teams, ‌aided by cadaver dogs, have combed through approximately 25 percent of ​the affected area. Governor Josh Green has urged patience and respect⁤ for the search efforts, as authorities have been overwhelmed with requests to visit the​ burn zone.

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During a news conference, Governor‌ Green solemnly reminded those ‍who were ‌tempted to visit ​Lahaina that⁢ they may unknowingly be walking on the remains of the victims, as “iwi,” the Hawaiian word for‍ “bones,”​ is scattered ​throughout ⁢the‍ area.

So far, only three bodies have been identified, and Maui Police Chief John⁤ Pelletier has appealed to families with ⁢missing loved ones to provide DNA ⁤samples. Unfortunately, authorities fear ⁤that many more bodies may be ​discovered. These wildfires, some of which are still not fully contained, have already become the deadliest in the United States in over a century.⁢ The cause of the fires is currently under investigation.

Due to the overwhelming number of ‌people wanting to visit ⁤the devastated areas, authorities have temporarily suspended the ⁤system that allowed access with police permits. The long line of ⁢cars waiting for placards stretched for ‍miles, causing frustration​ among those turned away.

The fire that‍ engulfed ⁢the centuries-old town of Lahaina has been 85 percent contained, while another blaze known as the Upcountry fire is 65 percent contained. However, authorities have⁢ warned that toxic byproducts from the fire may still pose ⁣a threat, including in the drinking water, making it unsafe for⁤ residents to return home.

Currently,⁤ 575 evacuees are being housed in five shelters, including the​ War Memorial Gymnasium​ in Wailuku. Governor Green estimates that thousands of people will require housing for⁣ at least 36 weeks.

The Federal Emergency Management​ Agency (FEMA) has reported over ​3,000 registrations for federal assistance, with that number expected to rise. FEMA has⁢ already begun providing $700 to displaced ⁤residents to cover immediate needs​ such as food, water, and medical supplies. Additionally, the Biden administration is seeking an ‍additional $12 billion‍ for the government’s disaster relief fund.

The community has shown incredible support during this ​difficult time, with⁢ leaders and individuals donating over a million ⁤pounds of ⁢food, as well as essential items like ice, water, diapers, and baby formula. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia ‌Luke expressed gratitude for the community’s unity and resilience.

Even the U.S. Marines have⁢ joined the aid efforts, sending a small number‌ of active-duty personnel to assist in the relief operations.

Amidst the recovery efforts, the local ⁣power utility⁢ has faced criticism for not shutting off power during the high-risk fire conditions. It remains unclear whether the utility’s equipment played a⁤ role in ‌igniting the flames. Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc.⁤ has pledged to cooperate⁢ with⁤ the ‌state’s investigation while conducting ⁢its own internal review.