Police Department of Maui identified the first two victims of the fatal wildfires that ravaged Maui island last week as Robert Dyckman, 74 and Buddy Jantoc, 79, locals of Lahaina. The death toll has now reached 106 while about 1300 are reported missing.
The authorities might take several days to establish an accurate figure of confirmed deaths, concurs Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the families who are beginning to receive notifications about their loved ones," said Richard Bissen, the Maui County Mayor. "As a community, we offer our prayers of comfort in this most difficult time,” he added.
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The authorities have identified three other individuals, whose next of kin would be informed, he further stated.
US President Joe Biden confirmed his visit to the shattered island, amidst criticism of his government’s response by the residents of Hawaii.
Biden added that he had not yet visited the island to disavow any distraction from the humanitarian response to the situation.
"I don't want to get in the way. I've been to too many disaster areas," said the President. "I want to be sure we don't disrupt ongoing recovery efforts.”
All “available federal assets” in the region, including the US military and Coast Guard would be directed for recovery efforts, added the President. "It's painstaking work. It takes time and it's nerve wracking," the president said, who’ll be accompanied by Jill Biden on his visit to Hawaii.
