In the wake of devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii officials are working to identify the 99 people confirmed killed. The authorities expect to release the first names on Tuesday, while teams intensify the search for more deceased in neighborhoods reduced to ash.
One week after the fire tore through historic Lahaina, survivors have started relocating to hotel rooms set aside for displaced locals. Donations of food, ice, water, and other essentials have been streaming in.
Search crews, aided by cadaver dogs, have combed through about 25% of the search area. Governor Josh Green urged patience, noting the importance of conducting the search properly while managing numerous requests for access to the burn area.
To date, only three bodies have been identified. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier appealed for families with missing relatives to provide DNA samples.
These wildfires, some of which are not yet fully contained, are the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century. While their cause is still under investigation, the incident has highlighted several issues including access to water for firefighting, impact on local businesses, and potential toxic byproducts in drinking water.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already started providing financial aid to displaced residents. As Hawaii faces the long-term impacts of this disaster, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by natural disasters in the age of climate change.