388: The number of people unaccounted for in Maui fire falls by more than half

The number of individuals unaccounted for following the Aug. 8 Maui wildfire has dropped to 388, from over 1,000 earlier this week, according to Maui County officials.

Back and forth: The tally of unaccounted individuals has fluctuated significantly in recent days.
* At the start of this week, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen stated the figure had dropped to 850, before the FBI mentioned a number “between 1,000 and 1,100.”
* The decrease to 388 names came after an effort by the FBI to “un-duplicate people” who had been reported missing.

Significant Measures: To ensure thoroughness in the investigation, for the first time, the county published the names of those unaccounted for.
* Maui Police Chief John Pelletier expressed understanding that this step could cause distress, but emphasized the necessity for the investigation.

Confirmed Deaths: While the number of unaccounted-for individuals has fluctuated, there is a tragically stable statistic – the fire’s death toll, which stands at 115—making it the deadliest in the US in the past 100 years.
* Of this number, 46 people’s remains have been identified, with relatives of 35 successfully located and informed.

DNA Involvement: Authorities are urging family members of the unaccounted-for to provide DNA samples to help with identification.
* Those willing to submit a sample in Maui can visit the family assistance center at the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali, while others can contact the FBI for guidance on providing a sample.

View original article on NPR

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