The toll of casualties resulting from the devastating Hawaii wildfires has now reached 114, according to the latest update from the Maui Police Department. This figure has risen from the previous count of 111 reported on Thursday, as detailed by the news agency.
During a televised address, Hawaii Governor Josh Green expressed the somber expectation that the count of lives lost in this catastrophe will incrementally rise in the coming days, as the search for victims remains ongoing.
Governor Green conveyed the profound extent of destruction witnessed on Maui, describing it as a challenge to adequately articulate. The staggering impact is evidenced by the destruction of over 2,200 buildings and the damaging of another 500 structures, resulting in an estimated financial toll of nearly $6 billion.
“We are currently in the arduous process of locating survivors, reuniting families torn apart by the disaster, and identifying the remains of those who have tragically perished,” Governor Green shared.
Approximately 470 dedicated search and rescue personnel, along with 40 highly-trained search dogs, are diligently sifting through the charred remnants of numerous buildings, as confirmed by the governor.
Governor Green affirmed the collective commitment to the revival of Lahaina, acknowledging the extensive effort and financial investment—amounting to billions of dollars—required for a multi-year reconstruction process. Despite the formidable challenges, the governor emphasized unity in overcoming this adversity.
Lahaina, a cherished historic town and a favored tourist destination on Maui, has borne the brunt of these lethal wildfires. This picturesque location, once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, has a resident population of approximately 13,000 individuals.