Hawaii reduces the death toll from August fires to 97 – DW – 09/16/2023

Number of people killed by Fires The situation on the Hawaiian island of Maui (USA) corrected on the night of Friday, September 15, and dropped to 97, below the 115 deaths initially reported. This was stated by the island’s governor, Josh Green, via a video message that he posted on his Twitter and Facebook accounts.

“That number has come down a little bit because the Department of Defense and all their physical anthropologists have been able to help us better identify who was in the vehicles or in the homes,” Green said. Scattering remains has been a notable problem in Lahaina, where some victims are believed to have fled with other people or pets.

“Thank God fewer people have died,” Green said, noting that the number of citizens whose whereabouts have not been confirmed — those who have been reported missing and have not been found among the dead or those who are safe — now stands at 31, compared to With several people. One hundred a few weeks ago. Regarding them, the authorities hope to find answers soon.

Criticism of the authorities

The Aug. 8 fire destroyed the historic Royal City of Lahaina, with flames appearing to emerge from a downed power line as strong winds buffeted the islands. It is one of the deadliest accidents in the last 100 years in the United States. The authorities have been criticized for their handling of the disaster, with local residents claiming they were not warned of the fire.

For this reason, the head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency resigned. The main complaint was that the sirens did not sound, which would have saved dozens of lives. There is also concern that many families still have no place to live. The US government has already allocated more than $5.6 million to help victims, according to data from Amnesty International White House.

DZC (EFE, AFP)