LAHAINA, Hawaii − The death toll from the Lahaina fire could double or even triple from the current total of 99, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, adding to what is already the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
In a recorded interview with “CBS Mornings” that aired Monday, Green indicated the number of fatalities is likely to increase considerably. The official count was 96 early Monday but he updated it to 99 when talking to CNN later in the day.
“We are prepared for many tragic stories,” Green told CBS. “They will find 10 to 20 people per day, probably, until they finish. And it’s probably going to take 10 days. It’s impossible to guess, really.”
His estimate of 10 to 20 bodies found daily over a 10-day stretch would put the death count at around 200 to 300.
In a video posted on social media late Sunday, Green said more than 2,700 structures were destroyed in Lahaina and an estimated value of $5.6 billion “has gone away.” The Lahaina fire was one of multiple blazes that began burning Tuesday on Maui.
Green said the “fire hurricane,” which he said was new in the age of global warming, was the “ultimate reason” the death toll has been so high.”
Maui rescue teams search ruins‘full of our loved ones’; Hawaii churches offer prayers for dead, missing: Updates
Developments:
◾Green said Federal Emergency Management Agency has 416 people working in Hawaii, including Administrator Deanne Criswell. The agency has provided dozens of searchers and 20 dogs to aid the search for human remains in Lahaina, the governor said.
◾The total of missing people in Maui has dwindled from more than 2,000 to about 1,300 as cellphone service has slowly been restored, according to Green.
◾More than 500 hotel rooms have been arranged for those left homeless, and more rooms have been set aside for safety and fire officials working at the scene, Green said.
◾The Upcountry/Kula fire that sprawled about 678 acres was 60% contained, Maui officials said in a…
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