Summary:
- Search and recovery efforts continue in Maui after devastating wildfires, with a death toll of 99 and fears of it rising further.
- Displaced residents seek shelter in various locations, including makeshift centers, hotels, and apartments.
- FEMA and local teams employ cadaver dogs in search efforts, covering about 25% of the affected area.
- Victim identification aided by DNA swabs is set to begin, as officials work to bring relief and support to Maui.
- Despite the challenges, Maui remains open to tourists, with recovery efforts aimed at rebuilding and restoring the island's economic activity.
Search crews in Maui are tirelessly working to learn the fate of some 1300 people missing after last week's devastating fires. The death toll has risen to 99 overnight, and officials fear it could double or even triple. KTLA's Annie Rose Ramos reports from Waikoku in Maui.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies from the devastating wildfires are ongoing. Approximately 25% of the affected area in Lahaina has been searched, leaving a significant portion untouched.
Shelter and Donations
Hundreds of Hawaiians have sought shelter at the Moore Memorial Gymnasium. The facility also serves as a donation center, with the National Guard overseeing operations. Donations are being collected and distributed to impacted areas.
Impact and Displacement
The fires have left Lahaina severely damaged, with over 80% of burned structures being people's homes. Displaced residents are seeking shelter in various locations, including hotels, apartments, and makeshift accommodations.
Search Efforts and Identification
FEMA and local teams are conducting search and recovery operations with cadaver dogs. The search has covered only about 25% of the devastated area. Victim identification is expected to begin soon, aided by DNA swabs.
Tourism and Recovery
Despite the devastation, officials emphasize that Maui is open to tourists, and relief efforts are underway. Emergency appropriations will support rebuilding and recovery, bringing economic activity back to the island.
Officials express gratitude for the arrival of disaster aid and relief to Maui, and more support is expected in the coming days. As the recovery process continues, stories of resilience and assistance emerge from the community.
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