The death toll has tragically risen to 89 in the wildfires that have ravaged Maui this week. The US Fire Administrator has somberly declared the Lahaina Fire as the deadliest blaze witnessed in over a century.
Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, has labeled these fires as the most extensive natural catastrophe ever witnessed in the state. He lamented the destruction of approximately 2,200 structures, estimating losses nearing a staggering $6 billion.
Access to the heavily affected Lahaina region remains significantly limited, with only a small number of vehicles granted passage into the historic town on Saturday morning. In a scene of desperation, residents spent the night in a line of cars spanning a mile, all hoping for entry.
Amid the outbreak of fires and the subsequent loss of power and communication in Maui, officials report that Hawaii’s expansive outdoor siren warning system, touted as the world’s largest, was not activated. Consequently, Hawaii’s attorney general will lead an inquiry into the emergency response.
According to officials, the Lahaina Fire now the deadliest in over 100 years.
US Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell states that the Lahaina fire in Hawaii has achieved the grim distinction of being the deadliest in more than a century.
“This now has superseded (Northern California’s Butte County) Camp Fire from 2018,” he said
In November 2018, the Camp Fire devastated Butte County in Northern California, claiming the lives of 85 individuals while scorching 153,336 acres and obliterating over 18,000 structures.
Tragically, the ongoing wildfires on Maui have now resulted in a death toll of at least 89.
Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, articulated on Saturday that these fires stand as the “largest natural disaster Hawaii has ever experienced… with around 2,200 structures destroyed and losses “approaching $6 billion.
