‘There’s still people missing;’ Death toll rises to 80 from Hawaii wildfires

MAUI COUNTY, HAWAII — The death toll continues to rise from the raging wildfires in Hawaii.

>>Photos: Hawaii wildfires

At least 80 people are now dead in Maui County as firefighters continue to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei, and Upcountry Maui, officials said early Saturday morning.

All around, there are damaged and destroyed buildings, homes, and cars too numerous to count.

Local authorities have re-opened the road leading into Lahaina allowing residents and tourists into the town, CBS News reported.

Volunteers are working together to move infant formula diapers, clothes, fuel, and other supplies onto boats.

“We’re strong, we’re strong people,” said Lars Johnson. “We’re going to be okay. What’s important is that we’re sticking together.”

>>Hawaii wildfires: Death toll climbs as search for survivors continues

The death toll rose from an announced 67 Friday and makes the fires the largest natural disaster in the state’s history, according to CNN.

It surpasses Hawaii’s record natural disaster toll of 61 from a 1960 tsunami that hit Hilo Bay.

“There’s still people missing,” said Sydney Carney.

>>How to help those affected by the Maui wildfires

Hawaii Governor Josh Green told CNN Friday the death toll will continue to climb.

“Without a doubt, there will be more fatalities. We do not know, ultimately, how many will have occurred,” he said.

News Center 7 will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

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APTOPIX Hawaii Fires Wildfire wreckage is seen Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. The search of the wildfire wreckage on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Thursday revealed a wasteland of burned out homes and obliterated communities. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (Rick Bowmer)

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Hawaii fires The U.S. Coast Guard have been aiding in the rescue operations on Maui. (USCG Hawaii Pacific/Twitter)

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Hawaii Winds Fires Members of a Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources wildland firefighting crew on Maui battle a fire in Kula, Hawaii, on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Several Hawaii communities were forced to evacuate from wildfires that destroyed at least two homes as of Tuesday as a dry season mixed with strong wind gusts made for dangerous fire conditions. (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP) (Matthew Thayer/AP)

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