As of Monday morning, there are still 850 people listed as missing following the deadly Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a video on social media that 114 people have been confirmed dead, yet only 27 have been identified, and just 11 families could be reached for notification. While over 800 people are still considered missing, the list previously contained over 2,000 names.
"To the tireless work of the FBI and the Maui Police Department, 1,285 individuals have been located safe," Bissen said. "We are both saddened and relieved about these numbers as we continue the recovery process."
The mayor urged those with immediate family members missing to provide DNA samples that can assist in the identification process. A Family Assistance Center has been established at the Hyatt Regency Ka'anapali on Nohea Kai Drive for locals to provide samples, and those who are not in Maui can contact the FBI to submit samples.
Bissen said that he will hold a press conference and take questions from the public on Tuesday.
"Our lives have changed forever and things will not be the same," he said. "What will be the same is the way we care for each other as we grieve and go through this together."
The fires devastated the historic town of Lahaina and surrounding Maui areas earlier this month. Once the capital of Hawaii, the town saw over 2,700 structures destroyed. Residents and tourists were seen attempting to escape the flames by fleeing into the ocean.
President Biden is visiting the state on Monday to meet with survivors and local officials. His administration has been criticized for its slow response to the disaster.
“I know how profoundly loss can impact a family and a community and I know nothing can replace the loss of life," Biden said in a statement. "I will do everything in my power to help Maui recover and rebuild from this tragedy. And throughout our efforts, we are focused on respecting sacred lands, cultures, and traditions.”
