The death toll from the wildfire that devastated the historic Maui town has risen to 93, making it the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century. However, authorities have warned that the process of finding and identifying the victims is still at an early stage.
Search teams with cadaver dogs have covered only 3% of the search area, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. He noted that the area to be contained, spanning at least 5 square miles, is full of loved ones, and the death toll is likely to increase.
Pelletier mentioned that identifying the victims is a challenge due to the severity of the fire that burned through the area. His statement underscores the heart-rending reality of the disaster that has gripped the Maui community.
As efforts continue to find and identify the victims, those who survived count their blessings. The disaster has left an indelible mark on the community, with the survivors mourning the loss of their loved ones.
The wildfire has been noted as the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii in decades. The scale of the disaster underscores the urgency of implementing effective disaster management and response strategies that can help prevent such tragic events in the future.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating toll that natural disasters can take on communities, underlining the importance of preparedness, quick response, and robust recovery measures.