Fire in the tourist paradise of Hawaii: the death toll continues to rise, hundreds are missing
Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced that the death toll from the Maui fires had risen to 89. Stating that the death toll rose from 80 to 89 in one day, Governor Green said they were concerned that this number will increase further.
Search and rescue teams continue to operate in the areas destroyed by the fire, including the city of Lahaina, which was hit the hardest. The Lahaina fire is currently 85% controlled, but a total of six fires remain on Maui and the Big Island.
In the images taken after the fire, it was seen that many houses and cars were turned into ashes.
In addition to burning 2,170 acres, 2,200 buildings and other structures were reportedly damaged or destroyed. Many of the city of Lahaina’s historical landmarks were also lost.
HOLIDAY SHIPS CHANGE COURSE TO OTHER PLACES
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has suspended short-term vacation rentals to meet urgent housing needs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has dispatched more than 150 employees, and the Pacific Disaster Center estimates that 51,700 square feet of shelter and 9,000 prepared meals per day are required for 4,500 people. The fate of hundreds of people due to the fires is unknown.
According to some estimates, the number of victims could reach 1,000. Norwegian Cruise Line canceled calls in Maui due to the fires and diverted its trips to Hilo.
FEMA sent officials to Hawaii to meet with Governor Green and other officials. The likelihood of the fires being the worst natural disaster in state history further underscores the gravity of the situation. These fires have affected Hawaii not only with property damage and loss of life, but with social and economic impacts as well.
Authorities announced that the number of people who could not be contacted could reach 1,000.
The uncertainty of the missing persons, the sheer scale of the devastation, and the long-term effects suggest that this tragedy will leave not only physical but emotional scars. The quick and efficient responses from both local government and the private sector reflect the ability of the community to come together in these difficult times. Everyone hopes that the fires are contained and the community begins to heal.
THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS NOT YET KNOWN
The exact cause of the ongoing fires on Maui and the Big Island has yet to be determined. Experts and authorities at the scene began an investigation to determine the origin of the fire.
In such incidents, the possibility focuses on the possibility that the start of the fire was caused by a number of factors, such as electrical sparks, human error, arson, or natural causes.
Determining the cause of the fire will help authorities to respond appropriately and take the necessary safety measures. Therefore, the results of this investigation are awaited with great interest.