Officials in Hawaii acknowledge that it was “impossible” to alert residents in a timely manner and that an estimated 1,000 people are still missing as a result of the devastating wildfires.
With a current death toll of 67 people, vast areas of the island of Maui decimated, and the historic town of Lahaina in ruins, Hawaii Governor Josh Green issued a warning that the death toll will rise as first responders reach areas of the island that had previously been inaccessible due to numerous ongoing fires.
We are witnessing the loss of life, said Governor Green at a news conference on Thursday. The fires were the “greatest emergency we’ve seen in decades,” he continued, adding that “death will continue to occur. “.
Although there are reportedly 1,000 people missing, Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier said, “Honestly, we don’t know. “.
This does not imply that the number of days since our previous count is that many. I’m not at all recommending that amount, he said during a news conference on Thursday. We won’t have that number, though, because we can’t get in touch with them and they can’t access the larger valley as quickly or as much as we’d like because they’re in shelter. This is because some of the fundamentals need to be improved.
Lahaina, a tourist town of about 13,000 people on Maui’s northwest coast, has reportedly been completely destroyed, and internet, water, and power are still out.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen responded, “I’m telling you, none of it’s there,” when asked how many buildings in the historic Lahaina had burned down. “Everything has been destroyed completely by fire.
Ventura continued by asserting that it was “physically impossible” to get to the emergency management organizations in time because the fire spread from the brush to the neighborhoods so quickly.
The fires started so quickly and spread so quickly, Mayor Bissen said on Friday’s episode of NBC’s TODAY. “I think this was an improbable situation. “.
80 mph gusts were experienced by the wind. He asserted that some individuals lived between 45 and 60 or 65 years. In an instant, everything took place. The speed at which the fires started and spread prevents me from knowing whether or not the sirens were heard. “.
In response to inquiries regarding the warning system on Thursday, Police Chief Pelletier emphasized that “nobody saw this coming, period. “.
As stated by Gov. Because it “came in the night with high winds,” Green, the tragedy was particularly challenging to predict, and the state lacked the resources and personnel to put out the flames. According to numerous sources, there are typically 65 firemen working in Maui County at any given time, responsible for putting out fires on three islands.
Green claimed, “Climate change is here and it is affecting the islands, and I think that’s what you’re seeing with this fire. “.
For the purpose of coordinating with regional and national emergency response efforts in Maui, Hawaiian Electric published the following message on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Crews geared up this morning to continue work in safely accessible areas to assess the damage and make repairs in Upcountry and West Maui. Hawaiian Electric is helping with the restoration work by sending staff and equipment from Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Hawaii Island, and Oahu. “.
Customers of Hawaiian Electric on Maui are being advised to get ready for prolonged power outages that may last “several weeks.”. “.
While search and rescue operations get underway with help from FEMA troops, county officials are urging residents to exercise patience and follow local safety recommendations.
Pelletier remarked, “I know you people lack some of the goods and power. To extract our family members from this world, we must acknowledge that we have them and act morally. That will require some time.
On the island of Maui, there are currently three active fires, and based on the prevailing weather, it appears that fires could spread quickly. Since the burn zone still presents a safety risk, especially with the downed telephone poles, he advised everyone to stay away from it.
The American Red Cross has tools to aid in bringing family members back together. The Red Cross Emergency App has also been updated to let loved ones know you’re okay.
To assist those affected by the wildfires, the following organizations are accepting donations:.
For donations to help the Maui wildfire-affected areas, the Hawaii Office of the Governor suggested donors contact the Hawaii Community Foundation.
In order to help Maui families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those who have little to no insurance, the Maui Mutual Aid Fund, a volunteer-run organization, accepts donations.
To help buy food for people staying in emergency shelters on the island of Maui, The Salvation Army’s Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division is currently accepting donations.
A nonprofit organization with its main office in Honolulu, Aloha United Way, established the Maui Relief Fund to help those impacted by the fires.
The Maui Food Bank is still taking donations to help with relief efforts despite having staff on the ground helping those in need.
Together Rising: Kerry Washington urged her supporters to give to this organization because it ensures that every penny received will go to immediate relief and essential support. “.
