Federal officials have dispatched a mobile morgue to Hawaii, complete with coroners, pathologists, and technicians, to assist in identifying those who lost their lives in the catastrophic wildfire that ravaged the historic town of Lahaina. As of the latest count, the death toll has risen to 106.
The flames that engulfed Lahaina a week ago left the town almost completely incinerated. Power outages, inconsistent cellphone service, and the uncertainty about where to find aid continue to plague some of the town’s residents.
Only two victims have been identified to date. These are Robert Dyckman, 74, and Buddy Jantoc, 79, both residents of Lahaina. Their next of kin have been notified.
Federal aid arrived Tuesday, bringing more than 22 tons of supplies and equipment necessary for victim identification and processing remains. This included mortuary examination tables and X-ray units.
Approximately 32% of the area has been examined by teams with cadaver dogs, according to a statement from the County of Maui. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is urging families with missing relatives to submit DNA samples to aid in the identification process.
The ongoing wildfires, some of which have yet to be fully contained, are officially the deadliest in the United States in over a century. The fires caused an estimated $3.2 billion in insured property losses, according to disaster and risk modeling company Karen Clark & Company.
Despite the fires’ retreat, authorities have warned that toxic byproducts may remain, including in drinking water. This caution has left many unable to return to their homes.
This tragic event highlights the importance of disaster preparedness, effective response strategies, and the need for ongoing support in the wake of such devastations.