Maui Wildfire Missing Persons Update: Number Drops to 66
Hawaii Governor Josh Green revealed on Friday that the count of individuals still missing following the devastating Maui wildfires has significantly decreased to 66, down from 385 just one week ago.
In a video update shared on his social media, Governor Green marked the one-month milestone since the crisis began. He reported that the fatality count remains at 115, while the FBI’s missing persons list, which had initially stood at 385, has now dwindled to 66. Governor Green emphasized that the Maui Police Department is actively investigating 41 missing person reports, indicating progress in resolving these cases.
Furthermore, Governor Green noted that approximately 7,000 people are currently accommodated in hotel rooms, with another 1,100 staying in Airbnbs. The government is diligently working to transition these displaced individuals into long-term housing solutions.
Deadliest U.S. Wildfire in a Century Strikes Maui
The catastrophic wildfire that swept through Lahaina on August 8th, described as the deadliest in over a century in the United States, prompted many residents to seek refuge in the ocean to escape the raging flames. The disaster left in its wake a trail of destruction, consuming over 2,000 structures and causing an estimated $5.5 billion in damages.
Hope and Desperation Amidst the Search
Kimberly Buen, one of the concerned relatives of the missing, shared her emotional journey, anxiously awaiting news about her father, who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on September 2nd. She expressed the rollercoaster of emotions, from eagerly answering every phone call with hopes of finding her father alive to now fervently praying for his recovery, even if it means a different outcome.
To date, Maui police have released the identities of 55 of the individuals who tragically lost their lives in the wildfire.
Residents to Revisit Their Properties
Governor Green also announced that in the coming weeks, authorities will begin scheduling supervised visits for residents to return to their properties and assess the damage caused by the wildfire.
The commitment to recovering from this devastating crisis remains unwavering, as the Maui community strives to rebuild and heal.
[Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.]
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