Latest report show that the death toll from the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii has reached 89 as more evacuations are underway in the western area of Kaanapali.
The Maui Police Department announced on social media that the latest in a string of fires that have ravaged parts of the island triggered the evacuation of the community in Kaanapali on Friday night.
Hawaii governor Josh Green was quoted on Friday as saying that there will be more fatalities.
“We have not yet searched in the interior of the buildings. We’re waiting for Fema to help with that search as they are equipped to handle the hazmat conditions of the building,” said Richard Bissen, Maui county mayor, referring to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Officials also confirmed late last Thursday that Hawaii’s emergency management records show no indication that public warning sirens were triggered, despite what the state describes as the largest integrated outdoor all-hazard public safety warning system in the world.
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“There was no warning. There was absolutely none. Nobody came around. We didn’t see a fire truck or anybody,” said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home in the fire.
Instead, the county sent emergency alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations. But power and cellphone service outages may have impacted their reach.
In a late evening statement on Friday, Maui County said that the death toll on the island had risen to 89, with officials believing the wildfires could end up being the deadliest disaster in the state’s history. Earlier that day, at least 14,900 visitors left Maui by air.
Maui County Mayor, Richard Bissen Jr said that Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead. This is even as many fire survivors said that they did not hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realising they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions.
Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach.
Story was adapted from Independent.
