Maui Wildfire Death Toll Rises To 111, Hundreds Unaccounted For

Over a hundred have been confirmed as dead after wildfires incinerated parts of the Hawaiian island of Maui last week.

Thursday, August 17th 2023, 9:58 am

By: News 9


Hawaiian officials confirmed at least 111 people have died due to last week's wildfires on the island of Maui.

Officials on Maui are facing tough questions about what could have been done to warn residents and save lives.

One such official, Maui Emergency Management Agency administrator Herman Andaya, said he defends his decision not to activate sirens to warn residents of the fires.

"Had we sounded the siren that night. We're afraid that people would have gone mauka (mountainside)," Andaya said. "If that was the case, then they would've gone into the fire."

So far, only 38% of the territory has been searched as crews try to find hundreds of people who are still missing.

President Biden is expected to tour the devastated communities on Monday. Residents said they hope his visit draws more attention to the need for more aid.

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