LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – The death toll in the Lahaina wildfire shot up by 25 on Friday — to 80 — as teams continued the grim work of surveying burned-out homes and businesses.
While unimaginable, officials have warned that fatalities could rise for several days as specialized recovery crews with cadaver dogs make their way into the historic town’s worst-hit areas.
Those slowly trickling back to their wrecked homes and communities are being warned that electricity remains out across much of West Maui and cell phone service is also spotty. Meanwhile, tap water may be contaminated and residents are urged not to drink it.
He added, “When you see the full extent of the destruction in Lahaina, it will shock you. It does appear like a bomb and fire went off, if I may. And all of the buildings virtually are gonna have to be rebuilt. It will be a new Lahaina that Maui builds in its own image, with its own values.”