“2 Victims of Lahaina Wildfire Identified, Death Toll Rises to 106; Recovery Efforts Continue”

The Hawaii wildfires in Maui have caused devastating destruction, killing dozens of people and wiping out the historic town of Lahaina. It is the deadliest wildfire in the US in over a century, and the cause is still under investigation. Toxic byproducts from the flames may pose a threat to drinking water. The death toll has risen to 106, with efforts underway to identify and process remains. The fire has resulted in approximately $3.2 billion in insured property losses. The Hawaii National Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, and Coast Guard are assisting in response efforts. President Joe Biden has pledged federal support and plans to visit Hawaii soon. Children are among the victims, and recovery efforts are ongoing. Congress is considering allocating $13 billion in disaster funds to aid in the recovery process. Associated Press Television News reported

The wildfires in Maui, Hawaii have caused immense devastation, resulting in the death of dozens of people and the destruction of the historic town of Lahaina. These wildfires are the deadliest in the United States in over a hundred years. The cause of the fires is currently under investigation. Even as the fires have been contained, authorities have warned about the presence of toxic byproducts, including in the drinking water, due to the release of poisonous fumes by the flames.

The death toll continues to rise, with the release of the names of two victims from Lahaina, Robert Dyckman and Buddy Jantoc. The Maui County is working diligently to identify the remains of the deceased, with the assistance of a team from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The agency has deployed coroners, pathologists, and technicians, along with necessary equipment, to aid in victim identification and processing of remains. The county has also identified three additional victims, whose names will be released once their next of kin have been identified.

Governor Josh Green announced that the death toll has risen to at least 101, making it the deadliest fire in the country in the past century. The extent of the destruction caused by the Lahaina fire is estimated to be around USD 3.2 billion in insured property losses, according to Karen Clark and Company, a disaster and risk modeling company. The firm reported that over 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the fire, with a total of over 3,000 buildings affected by fire or smoke.

The cause of the wildfires is still unknown and under investigation. The county has reported that the Lahaina fire is 85% contained, while another fire known as the Upcountry fire is approximately 60% contained. The search efforts for bodies have been challenging, with only three bodies identified so far. The fire spread rapidly due to dry grass and strong winds from a passing hurricane. Emergency notification services were not effectively activated, and residents faced power and cellular outages, while an electric utility is facing criticism and a lawsuit for not shutting off the power during high wind warnings.

The Hawaii National Guard has activated approximately 258 personnel to assist in the response to the fires. They will support the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and local law enforcement agencies, as well as aid in command and control efforts. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Coast Guard are also providing assistance in debris removal, temporary power, and environmental impact mitigation.

President Joe Biden has expressed his intention to visit Hawaii to survey the wildfire damage, but he wants to ensure that his presence does not disrupt the ongoing recovery and cleanup efforts. Biden has assured Governor Green that the federal government will provide all necessary resources to Hawaii. He has previously visited areas affected by natural disasters but has yet to visit East Palestine, Ohio, where toxic chemicals were released after a train derailment earlier this year.

Governor Green has confirmed that children are among the victims of the wildfires. Recovery efforts remain challenging, and officials are urging patience from the public. Housing assistance is being provided through the Red Cross, with the goal of relocating everyone out of shelters by the end of the week. There are concerns about potential stormy weather and the need to protect weakened infrastructure from further damage.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Congress to approve a supplemental spending package that includes USD 13 billion to replenish federal disaster funds for Hawaii. He aims to expedite the approval process once lawmakers return after Labour Day.

The situation in Maui, Hawaii remains dire, with the devastating impact of the wildfires continuing to unfold. The focus now is on recovery efforts, victim identification, and providing assistance to those affected by the disaster..