Maui Fire Update: Tragic Losses Increase to 80 Lives

The Maui wildfires have now become the most devastating natural catastrophe in the history of the state. County officials confirmed on Friday night that the death toll has reached a tragic 80, with a number of individuals still unaccounted for. As of Saturday morning, the fires persist, and firefighting teams have been grappling with flare-ups throughout the night. Governor Josh Green cautioned that the count of casualties is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts persist.

Shane Dudoit, Maui County's Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, shared in an interview with CBS Saturday Mornings, "This will be remembered as one of Hawaii's worst-ever disasters. We've suffered immeasurable losses."

A FEMA search and rescue team, equipped with cadaver dogs, arrived on Thursday night to assist in the operations. The evacuation process and damage assessment on Maui continue. According to estimates released on Saturday by the Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA, approximately 2,207 structures have been impacted or destroyed, and around 2,170 acres of land have been scorched. Of the affected structures, about 86% are residential homes, leaving around 4,500 individuals in need of shelter. The projected cost of rebuilding is estimated at around $5.52 billion, according to the agency's statement.