As a result of the devastating wildfires, authorities in Hawaii acknowledge that it was “impossible” to alert residents in a timely manner and that an estimated 1,000 people are missing.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned that the death toll will rise as first responders reach areas of the island that had previously been inaccessible due to numerous ongoing fires, with a current death toll of 67 people, vast areas of the island of Maui decimated, and the historic town of Lahaina in ruins.
We are witnessing the loss of life, said Governor Green at a news conference on Thursday. He continued, saying that the fires were the “greatest emergency we’ve seen in decades,” adding that “Death will continue to occur. “.
The Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier said, “Honestly, we don’t know,” despite a reported 1,000 missing persons. “.
This does not mean that is how many days have passed since our last count. I’m not at all recommending that amount, he said during a news conference on Thursday. However, unless we strengthen some of the fundamentals, we won’t have that number 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 since they’re in shelter.
Lahaina, a vacation town on Maui’s northwest coast with about 13,000 residents, 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 structures had burned down in historic Lahaina. “Everything has been destroyed completely by fire.
Ventura continued by saying 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 began and spread so quickly, Mayor Bissen said on Friday’s episode of NBC’s TODAY. “This was an improbable situation, in my opinion. “.
80 mph gusts occurred in the wind. He stated that some people lived between 45 and 60 or 65 years. “Everything happened in an instant. I’m unable to confirm whether or not the sirens were heard, but I am aware of how quickly the fires started and spread. “.
On Thursday, Police Chief Pelletier responded to inquiries about the warning system by emphasizing 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 fires. There are approximately 65 firemen working in Maui County at any given time, and they are in charge of putting out fires on three islands, according to numerous sources.
Green said, “Climate change is here and it is affecting the islands, and I think that’s what you’re seeing with this fire. “.
To work with local and state 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 could last “several weeks.”. “.
County officials are urging residents to exercise patience and abide by local safety recommendations as search and rescue operations get underway with help from FEMA troops.
Pelletier remarked, “I know you people lack some of the goods and power. But we must acknowledge that we have relatives here, and we must act morally to get them out. It’ll take time to complete that.
On the Hawaiian island of Maui, there are three active fires right now, and based on the weather right now, it looks like 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.
Resources are available from the American Red Cross to aid in reuniting families. The Red Cross Emergency App has also been updated to let loved ones know you’re okay.
Donations can be made to the charities listed below to support those impacted by the wildfires.
To help areas affected by the Maui wildfires, the Hawaii Office of the Governor directed donors to the Hawaii Community Foundation.
A non-profit run entirely by volunteers, the Maui Mutual Aid Fund accepts donations to help Maui families, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with scant to no insurance.
Donations are being accepted by The Salvation Army’s Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division to help purchase food for people staying in Maui’s emergency shelters.
Aloha United Way, a nonprofit with its main office in Honolulu, established the Maui Relief Fund to help those impacted by the fires.
The Maui Food Bank is accepting donations to help with relief efforts even though there are staff members 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. “.
