The fatality count in Hawaii resulting from the most lethal wildfire in the United States in over one hundred years is anticipated to surpass one hundred individuals on Sunday.
This has led to allegations that an insufficient official reaction played a role in the significant loss of life.
As rescue personnel with cadaver dogs resumed the terrible task of combing burned out homes and vehicles in the epicentre of Lahaina, officials cautioned late Saturday that the toll could rise further.
Early Wednesday morning, a fast-moving fire almost totally burned the historic coastal village on the island of Maui, with survivors reporting that they had received no warnings.
Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono said on Sunday that she would wait for the results of an investigation announced by the state attorney general before commenting on why the island’s sirens had not been activated.
“I’m not going to make any excuses for this tragedy,” Hirono, a Democrat, told CNN’s “State of the Union.”
“We are really focused, as far as I’m concerned, on the need for rescue, and, sadly, the location of more bodies.”
Official estimates say that more than 2,200 buildings were either damaged or destroyed as the fire raged through Lahaina, costing an estimated $5.5 billion and forcing hundreds from their homes.
