Many Children Likely Among the 850 People Still Missing in Maui Wildfires: Governor

Many children are likely among the 850 people currently missing on the Hawaiian island of Maui following deadly wildfires earlier this month, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.

The governor made the comments during an appearance on CBS News’ "Face The Nation" on Aug. 20.

Mr. Green said more than 1,000 individuals were still unaccounted for following the deadly fires. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said on Facebook on Aug. 21 that 850 people were still missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

Mr. Green noted the possibility that many of those missing were likely children, given that a large number of children were at home at the time the fires hit due to school closures.

"That is possible, and that's what we're sharing here internally, that it's possible that there will be many children," he said. "This is the largest catastrophe and disaster that's ever hit Maui, probably that's ever hit Hawaii outside of wartime events. ... Right now we are trying to make sure everyone is sheltered, and we begin to get all the federal resources we can to make life in some way livable for the survivors."