Headline Roundup • August 22nd, 2023
At Least 115 Dead, 700 Still Missing in Maui Wildfires
Summary from the AllSides News Team
At least 115 people are dead and 700 are still missing after the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.
Key Details: The wildfires, which started on August 8, are the deadliest in the U.S. since 1918 and may permanently displace many native islanders. As of Monday night, there were no active fire threats, and the fires were not advancing.
Key Quote: A news release from Maui County on Sunday night said that, “There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 100% of the single-story, residential properties searched in the disaster area. Search teams will now transition to searching multi-story residential and commercial properties.”
For Context: Many sources agreed that the wildfires were likely caused by invasive plants and irresponsible power grid management. Maui experienced erratic winds from Hurricane Dora, and the difficult terrain and direction of the fires have made them difficult to control.
How the Media Covered it: Sources from across the political spectrum continue to cover recovery efforts, as well as the visit to Maui from President Joe Biden on Monday.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Hiroto Sekiguchi / AP
The list of the people still "not located" in the wake of the deadly Maui wildfires begins, in alphabetical order, with Fred Abad, Louise Abihai and Kristell Acacia.
Nearly 800 names later, the final entry posted as of Monday afternoon on a Google spreadsheet created by Maui resident Ellie Erickson — which has become one of the island's most visited and most heartbreaking clearinghouses of information — is Richard Zubaty.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in Instagram and Facebook updates posted overnight that, in addition to the 114 people confirmed dead as a...
AP
Maui County officials said that 100% of burned single-story residences have been searched for Lahaina wildfire victims, and now search crews and their cadaver-detecting dogs will concentrate on multi-story properties.
The official confirmed death toll, which was raised by one earlier this evening, stands at 115, while the latest unofficial estimate of the missing is over 700.
“At the time of this announcement, there are 115 confirmed fatalities with 100% of the single-story, residential properties searched in the disaster area. Search teams will now transition to searching multi-story residential and...
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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...
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