Hawaii officials acknowledge that it was “impossible” to promptly warn locals and that an estimated 1,000 people are missing amid horrific wildfires.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green issued a warning that the death toll will rise as first responders reach areas of the island that had previously been inaccessible due to numerous ongoing fires, with a current death toll of 67 people, vast areas of the island of Maui decimated, and the historic town of Lahaina in ruins.

At a news conference on Thursday, Governor Green stated, “We are seeing loss of life.” “Death will still be occurring,” The flames, he continued, were the “greatest emergency we’ve seen in decades.”

Despite estimating there to be about 1,000 missing people, Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier emphasized that “honestly we don’t know.”

“Doesn’t imply that’s how many have elapsed since we last counted. At the news conference on Thursday, he stressed, “I’m not suggesting that amount at all. However, unless we build up some of those fundamental things, we won’t have that number because we can’t get in touch with them and they can’t enter the greater valley as soon or as much as we’d want because they’re actually in shelter.

Authorities claim that Lahaina, a vacation community of around 13,000 people on the northwest coast of Maui, has been completely destroyed and that internet, water, and power are still out.

Richard Bissen, the mayor of Maui County, said, “I’m telling you, none of it’s there,” in response to a question about how many buildings had burned down in historic Lahaina. Everything has been destroyed by fire.

Ventura continued, saying that it was “physically impossible” to reach the emergency management organizations in time since the fire spread so swiftly from the brush to the neighborhoods.

Bissen reaffirmed that idea.

On Friday, Mayor Bissen told NBC’s TODAY, “The fires came up so quickly and they spread so fast.” “I believe that this was an impossible circumstance.”

“The wind gusts reached 80 miles per hour. Some lasted between 45 and 60 or 65 years, he claimed. “Everything took place really swiftly. I am unable to comment on whether or not the sirens were heard, but I am aware of how rapidly the fires started and spread.

On Thursday, Police Chief Pelletier responded to inquiries regarding the warning system and emphasized that “nobody saw this coming, period.”

The disaster, according to Gov. Green, was particularly challenging to predict because it “came in the night with high winds,” and the state lacks both money and personnel for combating fires. According to several sources, there are about 65 firemen working in Maui County at any given time, and they are in charge of putting out fires on three islands.

Green asserted that “climate change is here and it is having an impact on the islands, and I think that’s what you’re seeing with this fire.”

In order to coordinate with local and state emergency response efforts in Maui, utility provider Hawaiian Electric posted the following message on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Crews geared up this morning to continue work in safely accessible areas to assess damage and make repairs in Upcountry and West Maui. To help with restoration efforts, Hawaiian Electric has sent equipment and personnel from Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Hawaii Island, and Oahu.

Customers of Hawaiian Electric on Maui are being advised to get ready for prolonged power disruptions that could last “several weeks.”

As search and rescue operations begin with help from FEMA teams, county officials are advising residents to exercise patience and follow local safety advisories.

Pelletier remarked, “I know you people don’t have some of the goods, you don’t have power. “However, we must recognize the fact that we have family members on this planet, and we must act morally and extricate them in the proper manner. That will require some time.

There are currently 3 active fires on the island of Maui, and according to the current weather pattern, there is a chance for rapid fire progression. He urged everyone to stay away from the burn zone since it continues to pose a safety risk, especially in light of the downed telephone poles.

The American Red Cross has tools accessible to assist in reuniting family members. To let family members and friends know you are safe, the Red Cross Emergency App has also been updated.

The list of additional charities taking donations to aid those impacted by the wildfires is provided below:

Hawaii Community Foundation: Donors to this fund were directed by the Hawaii Office of the Governor to assist communities impacted by the Maui wildfires.
The Maui Mutual Aid Fund is a volunteer organization that accepts contributions to help Maui families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those who have little to no insurance.
Donations are being accepted by the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division of The Salvation Army to help buy food for those staying in emergency shelters on the island of Maui.
Aloha United Way, a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Honolulu, established the Maui Relief Fund, which will be used to benefit those affected by the fires.
The Maui Food Bank is collecting donations to aid in relief efforts even though they have workers on the scene helping individuals in need.
Together Rising: Kerry Washington urged her supporters to this organization, which promises that every “penny [they] receive will go to urgent relief and vital support.”