Officials justify not activating sirens during Maui wildfires as death toll reaches 110.
A Week After Devastating Wildfires, Maui Begins to Rebuild
It has been a week since wildfires tore through the historic resort town of Lahaina on Maui, leaving destruction and tragedy in their wake. The fires, which began on August 8, have been the deadliest in the country in over a century.
Despite the devastation, there is a glimmer of hope as public schools have started reopening and traffic is flowing once again on a key road. The community is slowly beginning to rebuild and recover.
“We were afraid that people would have gone mauka. If that was the case then they would have gone into the fire.”
However, questions have been raised about the lack of warning sirens used to alert residents of the fire danger. The island’s emergency agency chief, Herman Andaya, defended the decision, stating that the sirens are typically reserved for tsunami warnings and had never been used for wildfires before.
Andaya explained that sounding the sirens could have led residents to move towards the approaching flames, putting them in even greater danger. Instead, authorities relied on text messages, TV and radio broadcasts, and social media posts to alert the community.
Unfortunately, widespread power and cellular outages hindered the reach of these alerts, leaving many residents unaware of the imminent danger. Survivors reported a lack of radio reports as the fires engulfed the town.
The decision not to sound the sirens has sparked controversy, with the governor ordering a thorough evaluation of the emergency response. The assessment aims to learn from the tragedy and improve future safety measures.
Schools Begin Reopening
Despite the challenges, progress is being made. At least three schools in Lahaina have survived the wildfires and are being assessed for safety. Once deemed safe, these schools will open their doors to displaced students.
The Hawaii Department of Education is providing support services such as meals and counseling for affected students. The recovery effort is still in its early stages, but the community remains resilient.
Moratorium on Land Transactions
In an effort to protect affected residents, the governor has implemented a moratorium on land transactions in the Lahaina region. This measure aims to prevent any exploitation or land grabs in the aftermath of the disaster.
Thousands of displaced residents are currently staying in shelters, hotels, or with friends. The power company has restored electricity to many customers, but some homes and businesses still remain without power.
FEMA Opens Recovery Center
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened its first disaster recovery center on Maui. This center will provide residents with information about federal disaster assistance and connect them with necessary resources.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will accompany President Joe Biden during his visit to the island to survey the damage and meet with survivors. Those affected by the wildfires can apply for assistance through the FEMA website or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.
Search and Recovery Efforts Continue
Search and recovery teams, including cadaver dogs, have been working tirelessly to search through the burn area. Despite the challenging terrain and heat, these teams are determined to bring closure to families who have lost loved ones.
As the community begins to rebuild and recover, there is a sense of resilience and hope. Maui will rise from the ashes, stronger than ever.
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