The damage from last week’s Maui wildfires has left over 1,000 people missing, and more than 2,000 buildings destroyed.
According to the New York Post, the death toll is now estimated to be 96 and only two of those victims have been identified. The destruction burned down the city of Lahaina — which has a population of 13,000 people. Clean-up efforts have only just begun.
Maui County officials have only been able to survey around 3% of the land but estimate the damage at close to $6 billion.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green spoke about the situation at a press conference Sunday, noting that it will take months to properly go through everything touched by the fires.
He said, “It’s going to take many years to rebuild Lahaina. It does appear like a bomb went off.”
Identifying the victims has become an obstacle for officials due to the damage done to the remains.
Maui Police Chief John Pelletier has asked survivors to do DNA tests, stating, “We need you to do the DNA test. We need to identify your loved ones.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, also went on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday and spoke about the loss. She admitted that more than 1,000 people are still missing.
As recovery efforts continue, the death toll is expected to rise.
A Facebook page has been created to help displaced survivors reunite with their families. This has offered information on the status of almost 5,000 residents and is ongoing.
In addition, civilian volunteers have been aiding in the recovery. Phinance Technologies founder Edward Dowd posted to X, formerly Twitter, about helping a friend bring supplies to residents.
He said, “My friend Matthew organized a pick up of supplies at airport that were helicoptered in from Oahu: Generators, baby formula, water, diapers, food etc.”
#MauiFires My friend Matthew organized a pick up of supplies at airport that were helicoptered in from Oahu: Generators, baby formula, water, diapers, food etc. My friend James & I used his Wales Movers truck and loaded it up and got through road block to deliver to community… pic.twitter.com/NogvnwQWVH
— Edward Dowd (@DowdEdward) August 13, 2023
“My friend James & I used his Wales Movers truck and loaded it up and got through road block to deliver to community leaders Keeaumoku & U’i. Will try to get list of where to send donations where they go directly to those in need,” he said.