As many as 93 people have been confirmed dead in the forest fire disaster in Maui, Hawaii, United States (US). The fire was the deadliest to hit Uncle Sam’s country in the last century. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the number could continue to grow as the forensic team continues to identify victims.
Hundreds of people in affected areas are still missing. “This is an absolutely terrible day. These fires will certainly be the worst natural disaster Hawaii has ever faced,” he continued. Green said his party could only help people who were still alive.
The current focus of his staff is on reuniting communities and providing them with shelter and health care. Authorities are now focusing on combing the island’s coastal areas using sniffer dogs. The dogs are expected to be able to detect bodies beneath the charred rubble.
So far, the tracking team has only covered 3% of the total search area. Jeremy Greenberg, a senior official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said additional support already being sent included urban search and rescue, as well as firefighting teams.
“The absolute number one priority is the safety of survivors,” he said. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez promised to donate around US$100 million to the people of Maui, United States of America as relief aid following the catastrophic forest fires.
The plan to make the donation was conveyed directly by Sanchez via upload on his personal Instagram account, Friday (11/8) last week. “Our condolences to all the bereaved families. We’re dedicating US$100 million to helping Maui get back on his feet.
Long-term development must be carried out after the disaster subsides,” said Sanchez. Jason Momoa appealed to the public not to visit Maui, Hawaii, United States of America for a while. He conveyed this appeal after the catastrophic forest fire that hit the island which became a favorite tourist destination. “Don’t travel to Maui.
If you are planning on traveling to Maui anytime soon, cancel it. The devastation from the wildfires will have a lasting impact on the entire island and resources of Maui,” Jason said via his personal Intargram account. “Maui is not a place to vacation right now. Don’t travel to Maui. Don’t convince yourself that your presence is needed on this suffering island,” he said.
