In Hawaii, the devastating fires left 99 dead and 1,300 missing

The death toll from Hawaii’s wildfires in more than a century has now risen to 99 in the United States. But it is still only temporary.

This number will double in the next ten daysOn Monday, August 14, Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced on CNN that three additional bodies had been found. “We are preparing for many sad stories”warned that

Recovery “Probably find ten to twenty people a day, until they’re done.” And it may take ten days. Can’t guess, really.”He explained.

Because the twenty sniffer dogs currently searching the ruins of Lahaina City, nearly destroyed by flames, still have a lot of ground to cover.

“Now they’re moving from street to street, block to block, between cars, and soon they’ll start entering buildings.”Jeff Hickman, director of public affairs for the Hawaii Department of Defense, explained to NBC Monday.

Most of the bodies found so far were near the waterfront or in the ocean, where dozens of residents had thrown themselves to escape the flames, the governor said. “At the same time we are overwhelmed by climate change and situations of tragedy”Mr. Green moaned.

Unidentifiable corpses

In Lahaina, population 12,000 and the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the fire was so intense that it melted metal. The bodies were found in an unrecognizable condition and the police have called on the relatives of the missing to take DNA tests to help identify the victims.

According to the governor, authorities are still identifying 1,300 missing people. A figure that has fallen as communications are gradually restored on the island of Maui and residents are able to locate their loved ones.

The circumstances of this stunning fire, the cause of which is still unknown, remain unclear. They took people by surprise, which many authorities blame. This has fueled resentment among residents, all of whom have not been allowed to return to the area around Lahaina, which has been restricted by roadblocks.

“The lack of communication is pathetic, people are very angry and frustrated, and the situation is getting worse.”Agence France-Presse (AFP) told Pastor Stephen Van Buuren, whose church was destroyed.

During fires, official warnings on television, radio and telephones are ineffective for many residents who have no electricity or network. The warning sirens were silent. “We believe the mermaids were immobilized by the extreme heat.” Ruler of Maui, Mr. Green said. An inquiry was opened to look into crisis management.

According to The New York TimesSome firefighters battling the Lahaina fire were delayed by dry or very low-flow hydrants. “There has been a significant impact on available water.” Tonya Hoover of the U.S. Fire Administration was recognized Monday as the water system was overwhelmed. Hawaii lawmaker Jill Toguda previously acknowledged that officials “Underestimated the danger and speed of the fire”. Power supplier Hawaiian Electric is also subject to the complaint.

Locals accuse the company of being there ‘Inexcusably kept its power lines live amid warnings of high fire risk’ A hurricane heading southwest of Maui is packing strong winds that could bring down utility poles.

Feed and house survivors

High winds and dry conditions on Maui contributed significantly to the rapid spread of several fires on the island last week, which are still burning despite efforts by firefighters to contain them.

A tropical storm should pass south of the archipelago overnight Wednesday into Thursday but will not “No real harm”, according to the US Weather Service. Light winds are likely throughout the week, with gusts up to 40 km/h.

Besides searching for bodies, Maui’s other challenge is feeding and housing the thousands of survivors. In Kahului on the island’s north coast, several celebrity chefs cook 9,000 meals a day, assisted by an army of volunteers.

“Some of our cooks have lost their homes [dans l’incendie] They are with us, cooking for people. It gives an idea of ​​what this ‘Aloha’ spirit is like.”One of them, Sheldon Simeon, told AFP about this Hawaiian philosophy of life.

According to the governor, a hostel plan is now underway to mobilize 500 hotel rooms to accommodate fire survivors. Officials are also working to convert 1,400 Airbnb homes into shelters.

Reconstruction will take a long time. For the Lahaina fire alone, the cost is estimated by federal officials at $5.52 billion (about €5 billion).