Maui Wildfire: Toll Rises To 99 As Officials Ramp Up Search For Survivors

The Search team has found 99 victims of the wildfire as the search team covered 25 per cent of the disasterzone.

Charred remains of a building in Lahaina in Hawaii after the wildfire. ( Image Source :Getty )

Search crews using cadaver dogs scoured through 25% of the Lahaina disaster zone from the Maui wildfires, locating the remains of a 99th fatality on Monday, but hundreds more people may still be missing nearly a week later, news agency Reuters reported. An inferno scorching at temperatures the governor estimated hit 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius) swept from the parched plains outside town into the ancient tourist town of Lahaina last Tuesday, turning block after block into ash.

In more than a century, the most destructive wildfire in the United States burned or damaged over 2,200 structures, 86% of which were residential, inflicting an estimated $5.5 billion in damage.

Recognising the anguish of survivors still searching for their loved ones, Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier told a press conference that local, state, and federal rescue officials were working as quickly as could, but that there was a "reverence" that slowed the process.

"It's not just ash on your clothing when you take it off. It's our loved ones," Pelletier was quoted by Reuters in its report. Pelletier stated that the officials have planned to complete 85% to 90% of the disaster zone by this weekend. A squad that began with one cadaver dog has grown to include 20. "Patience. Prayers. Perseverance. That's what we need," Pelletier said.

Officials have warned that identifying fatalities will be a dismal and tough function because the fire burnt so hot that even metal buildings melted.

Officials complained that curiosity seekers exploited the system, jamming roadways utilised by rescue crews, and Maui County temporarily loosened regulations enabling Lahaina residents to return to their houses. They were also concerned that human remains might be trodden on. According to Pelletier, one individual was apprehended for trespassing.

Those who have been left homeless are receiving assistance. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said during a press conference that around 2,000 housing units, including 400 hotel rooms, 1,400 Airbnb apartments, and 160 private residences, will be made available.

More than 3,200 Hawaii residents have registered to get government aid, and that figure is anticipated to grow, according to Jeremy Greenberg, FEMA's director of response operations.