The Maui Police Department confirmed late Sunday that the death toll from the devastating Maui wildfire has risen to 96. In a video update, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green disclosed that more than 2,700 structures in Lahaina have been destroyed, estimating a loss of $5.6 billion.
Gov. Green assured that the response to the disaster has been comprehensive, with efforts being made to alleviate suffering. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is overseeing the federal response in Hawaii, with 416 personnel involved, including FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
The governor also stated that President Joe Biden has authorized full federal government support for Hawaii.
A federal urban search and rescue team, accompanied by 20 dogs capable of locating places where fatalities occurred, will be assisting in the recovery efforts.
Updates provided on various fires across Maui indicate a varying degree of containment, with some fires 100% contained but not yet extinguished.
Gov. Green issued the fifth Emergency Proclamation on Sunday night, suspending additional laws to facilitate emergency response, recovery, and rebuilding. The proclamation also enables pharmacists to refill prescriptions for those affected by the wildfire and lifts the $10 million cap on expenditures from the Major Disaster Fund.
This catastrophic event highlights the immense toll that natural disasters can take on communities and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and effective response mechanisms.