Hawaii officials are urging tourists to avoid traveling to Maui as the island grapples with the devastating aftermath of a wildfire that demolished a historic town and killed over 90 people. The blaze, which has left thousands of residents and visitors displaced, has also destroyed nearly 2,200 buildings, with damage estimated at close to $6 billion. As crews continue to search for and identify the dead, Governor Josh Green has designated 500 hotel rooms for locals who have lost their homes and businesses, with an additional 500 rooms set aside for Federal Emergency Management Agency workers.
The search effort is ongoing, with crews covering just 3% of the search area, and the number of dead is expected to grow. Family members are awaiting word on the fate of their loved ones, and some have even begun submitting DNA samples to aid in the identification process. The devastation has left a sense of loss and heartbreak among residents, with many grieving the loss of homes and businesses.
As the recovery efforts continue, officials are working to reunite displaced residents with temporary housing and provide them with healthcare and other essential services. Meanwhile, hotels on the island will continue to operate at reduced capacity to help preserve jobs and sustain the local economy. The state is also working with Airbnb to provide temporary rentals for displaced residents.
Governor Josh Green.. (Via Governor Josh Green../Twitter)
The wildfires on Maui are being investigated, and officials have determined that the fires were fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane. The incident has surpassed the 2018 Camp Fire in northern California, which killed 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise, making it the deadliest US wildfire in over a century.
As the island begins to rebuild, officials are working to provide shelter and support to those affected by the disaster, with at least 4,500 people in need of temporary housing. The recovery efforts will be a long and challenging process, but Governor Green has assured that the state and federal governments will do everything in their power to support the affected residents.
