Hawaii Fires/Questions on Malfunctioning Alarm Systems

2023-08-19 15:30:22, Kosova & Bota CNA

Hawaii Fires/Questions on Malfunctioning Alarm Systems

Search and rescue teams in Lahaina

Even after the resignation of the head of emergency services, there are still no answers in Hawaii about why the alarm sirens did not go off during the spread of deadly fires on the island of Maui. According to local officials, more than 100 people have lost their lives and the damages amount to almost 6 billion dollars.

Criticism continues to mount over Maui, Hawaii's siren warning system, which was not activated during the deadly wildfires. 5 of the 80 alarm sirens are installed in the Lahaina resort area, which was completely destroyed by the fire.

The head of the Maui Emergency Management agency, Herman Andaya, resigned due to health reasons.

He was asked earlier this week about the sirens that didn't go off.

"Sirens are mainly used for tsunamis. The audience is prepared to find higher ground when the sirens sound. They would have gone towards the fire ," said Mr. Andaya.

But the government's website says the siren system can be used for natural or man-made disasters, including tsunamis, hurricanes and wildfires.

Hawaii's governor spoke about the extent of the damage.

“The extent of the devastation on Maui is difficult to describe in words. Over 200 buildings were destroyed, and another 500 were damaged, at a cost of $6 billion. But even more serious is the loss of precious lives," said Governor Josh Green.

In addition to the measures being taken by the federal government, local businesses are also working to help their community. Tour companies are using their vehicles to transport aid.

"I'm connected to the distribution centers, which have no communication with each other, and we meet their needs ," says entrepreneur Chris Ishizaka.

Meanwhile, family members continue to receive the bitter news about their relatives who have been found dead.

President Biden and the First Lady are expected to travel to Maui on Monday to see the devastation up close, meet with survivors and local leaders.

Governor Green has said that he wants the land in Lahania to be purchased by the state and used to house families displaced by the fires./ VOA