14 Aug 2023

Death toll continues to rise after Hawaiian wild fires

From Morning Report, 6:16 am on 14 August 2023

The death toll continues to rise five days after a fast-moving blaze devastated the historic resort town of Lahaina in Hawaii.

So far at least 93 deaths have been confirmed, but officials are warning the search has only just begun and the devastation is extensive.

More than 2200 structures are damaged or destroyed - most of those were homes, and the cost to rebuild is estimated to be about NZ$8 billion.

Dan Meisenzahl from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency spoke to Corin Dann.