Residents of Hawaii are mourning those lost in recent devastating wildfires, with officials warning that the full human and environmental toll is still unknown and the recovery process only just beginning.
The fires, which sped through the landscape at an alarming rate, have already claimed 96 lives, making this the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century. Two fires, including one that decimated the historic town of Lahaina, have not yet been fully contained, according to an update from Maui County late Sunday.
Teams, including twenty dogs, have begun the grim task of searching through the debris of burnt-out neighborhoods and cars for the deceased. The process is slow, with only 3% of the search area covered so far. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
The wildfires have left toxic byproducts in their wake, potentially contaminating drinking water, and many residents have no homes to return to. In response, authorities plan to provide accommodation in hotels and vacation rentals for those affected.
The cause of the wildfires is under investigation, with authorities also set to review their response, including the failure to activate warning sirens ahead of the Lahaina fire.
The wildfires are Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people and the 2018 Camp Fire in northern California, which left 85 dead and destroyed the town of Paradise.
As the state works towards recovery, officials urge tourists to avoid traveling to Maui, with many hotels readying to house evacuees and first responders. An additional 500 hotel rooms will be reserved for displaced residents, with another 500 set aside for Federal Emergency Management Agency workers. The state also plans to collaborate with Airbnb to provide rental homes for locals.
These tragic fires underscore the importance of effective disaster preparedness and response efforts. As Hawaii mourns its losses, the path to recovery is only just beginning.