Lahaina (USA), August 16 (AP) – The number of people who have lost their lives due to the fire that broke out in the jungles of Maui, Hawaii, has crossed the mark of 100. Rescue teams are intensifying their efforts in the surrounding areas and searching for bodies.
Governor Josh Green reported that the death toll has risen from 99 to 101.
The Department of Health and Human Services in the United States has deployed pathologists and technicians with necessary equipment to identify the deceased.
A week after the historic city of Lahaina was engulfed in flames, many affected individuals have begun moving into hotel rooms vacated for local evacuees.
Maui County stated on Tuesday that search teams, aided by search dogs, have covered nearly 32 percent of the area.
According to John Pelletier, Maui’s Chief of Police, only three bodies have been identified so far. He has appealed to the family members of missing individuals to provide DNA samples.
The Governor cautioned that hundreds more bodies could be recovered.
This is the most devastating wildfire in the United States in over a century. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that he and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii “as soon as possible,” but he also emphasized that he does not want his visit to hinder ongoing rescue efforts.
