According to Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawaii, the warning sirens in Maui likely did not go off as the fast-moving fire approached Lahaina. The death toll has risen to 93, and many people are still missing. Tokuda, speaking on “Face the Nation,” stated that the warning sirens in Hawaii are well-known and are typically tested once a month. However, in this tragic situation, they did not sound. Tokuda also mentioned that power outages during the wildfire may have affected the delivery of warning signals to mobile phones, preventing people from receiving crucial information about the situation.
Tokuda emphasized the importance of warning systems in providing instructions and guidance during emergencies. With the rapid spread of the fire, she explained that without access to information through television, phones, or radios, people may mistakenly assume that it is a tsunami and run towards land, which in this case would lead them towards the fire.
In Hawaii, the statewide outdoor warning siren system is designed to notify residents about natural disasters and other events. These sirens are battery-powered and use solar charging. However, their range may vary based on environmental factors.
The wildfires in Maui have caused severe damage, including the loss or destruction of approximately 2,200 structures. The historic town of Lahaina has been devastated. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, but only 3% of the disaster zone has been searched so far.
Deanne Criswell, the administrator of FEMA, described the challenging conditions faced by search and rescue teams in the aftermath of the wildfires. Hot spots and unstable structures make the operations difficult and potentially dangerous.
The cost to rebuild in Maui is estimated to be over $5 billion, according to the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA. President Biden has requested Congress to replenish the disaster relief fund with $12 billion. Rep. Tokuda called the situation a national crisis and urged her colleagues in Washington to take action.
In conclusion, the wildfires in Maui have had devastating effects, and the failure of the warning sirens and power outages have hindered emergency communication. The search and rescue efforts continue, but there is still a long way to go. The rebuilding process will require significant financial support, and Rep. Tokuda emphasizes the need for a national response to this crisis.
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