The Hawaiian authorities They have raised this Sunday to 93 the official balance of fatalities by the fires that affect the archipelago, especially the island of Mauiwhere it is feared that victims will continue to be found as devastated areas continue to be surveyed.
Two of the three fires started in Maui they are still active, according to the last balance of the county, which for now has only verified the identity of two of the 93 confirmed victims.
The local Police have recognized that the process will take time, to the extent that a genetic or dental check is needed.
Governor of Hawaii, Josh Greenhas acknowledged that the fires are already the “biggest natural disaster Hawaii has ever experienced,” according to CNN.
It surpasses the 61 confirmed deaths from a tsunami in 1960, although before Hawaii became a state in 1959, in 1946 the islands experienced a devastating tsunami that killed 158 people.
“Over the next few days, as we characterize how many people we have lost (and how many will come) to our community… in the short term it will be heartbreaking and in the long term, people will need mental health care services and in the very long term, we will rebuild together,” Green said.
On the other hand, the governor has also estimated that material losses are close to 6,000 million dollars, since according to what he has said, “if you look at what has been seen now in west Maui, 2,200 structures have been destroyed or damaged. 86 percent are residential.”
According to local authorities, more than 14,000 people were evacuated from the island of Maui during the day on Wednesday, while about 14,500 were transferred to other nearby islands throughout Friday.
Richard Bissen, the mayor of Lahaina, ancient capital of the archipelago and one of the most touristic areas, assured that 80 percent of the city has been completely destroyed by the flamesfanned by Hurricane Dora.
