Summary:
- Death toll from Hawaii wildfires reaches 93 and is expected to rise.
- Frantic search underway in Maui for missing individuals.
- Survivors recount stories of loss and the failures of the siren system.
- Tourism and economic impact significant as Maui faces the costly aftermath.
Now we turn to the deadliest U.S. wildfire event in the past century. The death toll from the wildfires in Hawaii has now reached 93 and it's expected to rise. Redeveida Shibazi has the latest from Maui where a frantic search is underway for those still missing.
The once bustling historic town of Lahaina is now the site of a desperate search for the missing. Patience, prayers and perseverance. That's what we need. On Saturday, Hawaii's Governor Josh Green surveyed the damage as state and federal teams combed through neighborhoods reduced to ash. It's an impossible day for us all and our hearts are with Maui after they've suffered this tragedy. Some residents waited in traffic to return home for the first time only to find they had nothing left. I have three, four children and three of them lost their home. My place is burned down completely to the ground. What are you going to do? I have to figure that out either. Many survivors on Maui are demanding answers about why the state's extensive siren system failed as people fled for their lives. It was fight or flight with no warning whatsoever. I think really what it was was an incredibly overwhelming circumstance. This couple from California was saved by locals just minutes after their car caught fire. There's this couple. Hawaiian couple. They saw our car on fire and they let us get in with them and that was very, they saved our lives. Tourism accounts for nearly 80% of Maui's income. FEMA officials estimate it could cost five and a half billion dollars to rebuild.
The situation in Maui remains dire as the death toll continues to climb in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. The community's resilience is being put to the test as survivors grapple with the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but the spirit of unity and support shines through amidst the ashes.