Fires in Hawaii could cost billions of dollars

Based on damage assessment data from the US Pacific Disaster Center and Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the estimated cost to rebuild the Hawaiian town of Lahaina on Maui is $5.52 billion.

More than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed in historic Lahaina, where the majority of the destruction caused by the flames was experienced. While 86 percent of the buildings exposed to the fire were residences, many buildings and areas such as workplaces, schools, farmland, and government institutions also suffered severe damage.

While 544 buildings were damaged in the town of Kula, affected by the fires on the island of Maui, the estimated cost to rebuild this area is expected to be $434 million.

80 people died in the fires that continued on the Big Island and Maui Island in the US state of Hawaii. It is feared that the death toll will rise as hundreds of people are missing due to the fires.

The wildfires in Hawaii have been recorded as the “deadliest natural disaster” in the state’s history to date.

“DISASTER ZONE” ANNOUNCED

US President Joe Biden declared the island of Maui a “disaster area” because of the fire. Biden claimed that those affected by the fires will be compensated for their losses.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statement on Aug. 10 that the loss of life would increase “significantly” following the investigation of burning buildings following early determinations. (AA)