'Devastating Hawaii Wildfires' Death Toll at 114, Over 1,000 Missing

Biden's Planned Visit Offers Hope as Hawaii Battles Wildfires

In the wake of the devastating Hawaii wildfires, the death toll has tragically risen to 114, with over 1,000 individuals still missing and unaccounted for.

As reported by local sources such as Hawaii News Now on August 19th, the authorities in Maui, Hawaii announced that the number of fatalities due to the wildfires has surged to 114 as of August 18th.

The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has estimated the number of missing persons to range between 1,100 and 1,300, which suggests the potential for a further increase in the death toll. Josh Green, the Governor of Hawaii, expressed his commitment to rebuilding Lahaina during a live evening speech in Honolulu, stating that despite the necessity of years of effort and billions of dollars, they are dedicated to overcoming this challenge together.

The fires, which ignited on August 8th, have already destroyed over 2,700 properties, resulting in estimated losses exceeding $6 billion (approximately 8.58 trillion Korean Won), according to Green.

Presently, 40 search dogs and 470 rescue personnel are on-site, actively searching for missing individuals. While initial estimates projected over 2,000 missing persons, the restoration of communication lines has led to a reduction in these numbers as residents are able to make contact.

Despite the rise in the death toll to 114, authorities continue to face difficulties in confirming the identities of the deceased. Officially confirmed victims currently stand at only 6.

To aid in the identification process, six forensic anthropologists from the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) are involved in the ongoing effort to identify the victims.

FEMA announced that around 1,000 federal responders were deployed to the Hawaii wildfire site on August 18th.

Additionally, approximately 6,000 residents have registered to receive federal assistance, with nearly $5.6 million (around 750 million Korean Won) distributed to approximately 2,000 households.

Meanwhile, the vacant position of Maui Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Chief will be filled on August 21st.

Herman Andaya, the former EMA Chief, submitted his resignation on health grounds on August 18th. He sparked controversy during a press conference on August 16th by explaining the absence of sirens during the fire outbreak as a measure to prevent unexpected chaos.

In a promising move, U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit the Hawaii wildfire site on the 21st, pledging a federal government response on a national level to address this disaster.