The Rising Hawaii Wildfire Death Toll Is Expected to Persist

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Over the past week, Hawaii experienced devastating wildfires that have resulted in nearly 100 confirmed fatalities. The impact of this disaster is spreading to Hawaii’s economy and main utility. It is now the deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history and the most destructive wildfire event in the US in over a century. Search crews and cadaver dogs continue to search through the ruins of burnt-out buildings, and it is expected that the death toll will continue to rise.

In an interview with CBS Mornings, Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, stated, “We are prepared for many tragic stories… It’s impossible to guess really.” The fires originated in Lahaina, western Maui, and have destroyed over 2,200 structures, resulting in an estimated cost of $5.5 billion. Moody’s Analytics predicts that the overall economic cost could reach $7 billion, primarily due to property damage.

On a positive note, the Lahaina fire is now 85% contained, according to Maui officials. US President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in the state and ordered federal aid to support the affected areas. However, tourists have been advised to stay away from Maui, and Hawaiian Electric, the state’s main power supplier, has faced a significant drop in share price following a lawsuit alleging negligence in power line management during high fire danger conditions.

It is believed that strong winds from Hurricane Dora exacerbated the spread of the wildfires. The devastation in Hawaii coincides with a summer of heightened wildfire activity in Canada and record-breaking global temperatures in July. Although the number of missing people remains over 1,000, temporary mobile hotspots have helped decrease this number in recent days.