At least 66 people remain missing for a month after wildfires devastated part of Maui, and more names may be added to the list.
The official list of missing people fell by 82 percent from 388 last week, but the dramatic drop could be partially reversed if reports of another 80 people believed missing are confirmed.
Those reports are still being “examined for credibility,” the Maui Police Department said.
The updated list of 66 names is the third version from MPD and the FBI.
It was originally 3,000, as is common in the confusion surrounding the first days of a major natural disaster.
The death toll from the August 8 fire that devastated the city of Lahaina remains at 115.
Only about half of the victims have been identified.
Authorities announced Friday that the number of missing was reduced to 66 and the confirmed death toll remains at 115 following the Maui wildfires.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green also announced that authorities will begin escorting people back to their properties in the coming months.AP
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said he expects an overlap between names on the missing list and remains already recovered, meaning the death toll should not rise much.
“We’re starting to see that the universe of 115 deaths is roughly where we are,” Green said. “There may be some additional deaths as next month progresses.”
Of the identified victims, 22 were in their 70s, 13 were in their 60s and one victim included was under 10 years old, according to reports.
Charred remains of homes are visible after a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Aug. 22, 2023. AP
Of the identified victims, 22 were in their 70s, 13 were in their 60s and one victim listed was under 10 years old, according to reports.REUTERS
Travel restrictions will be lifted on Maui on October 8. Governor Josh Green has emphasized the need to support Hawaii’s economy.AP
It will be three to four months before residents can return to their damaged and destroyed properties, the governor’s office said, because the Environmental Protection Agency must first remove hazardous materials from the area.
Travel restrictions to the island will be lifted on October 8.
“Many have asked when the time will be right to reopen West Maui to visitors,” Green said. “There is no easy answer to this question, but I can say that if we support Maui’s economy and keep our people employed, they will recover faster and continue to be able to afford to live on Maui.”
With postal cables
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Source: vtt.edu.vn