disaster-response1.615 min read
"Maui Wildfire Texts Reveal Communication Breakdown and Slow Response, Lennon and McCartney Sons Release New Song"
1 year ago•Source: Hawaii News Now
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5.47 min•1 year ago
"Maui Fire Report Reveals Utility's Slow Response and Communication Failures"
A new report by the Hawaii attorney general's office reveals that Hawaiian Electric did not respond promptly to alerts of its power lines breaking before the deadly Maui fire last August, with a utility worker arriving on scene hours after the initial alert. The report raises questions about how the utility and public agencies handled the fire, emphasizing the link between hurricanes and wildfires. The investigation also highlights deficiencies in emergency response, including understaffing and lack of preparedness, while lawsuits and subpoenas continue to seek answers about the disaster.
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Hawaii Officials Seek DNA Samples from Families of Missing Fire Victims
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press
Hawaii officials are urging families of those missing after the deadly wildfires in Lahaina to provide DNA samples, as the low number of samples collected so far is hindering identification efforts. Authorities have a list of 1,000 to 1,100 names of people unaccounted for, but only 104 families have provided DNA samples. Officials are facing challenges in determining how many people perished and how many are safe but haven't checked in. Releasing a list of the missing is a concern as it may identify some who have died. As of Monday, there were 115 confirmed dead.
Maui Fire Chief Reflects on Lahaina Wildfire Response and Community Resilience
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Maui Now
Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura discusses the response to the deadly wildfire in Lahaina, providing details on significant times of actions, the speed of the fire's spread, communication between field and fire crews, the extent of destruction known to the emergency team, concerns about water supply, potential accelerants, and ways the community can help affected members of the Maui MFD team.
"Maui's Cadaver Dogs and DNA Tests Aid in Identifying Fire Victims"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
Cadaver dogs, also known as human remains detection dogs, are being deployed in Maui to search for the missing individuals after the devastating wildfires. These specially trained dogs can detect scents of human remains, even in burnt and destroyed areas. The dogs and their handlers face numerous challenges, including navigating hazardous environments and preserving evidence. The partnership between the dog and handler is crucial for a successful search. Despite the emotional toll on the handlers, they are motivated by the desire to help families find closure and move forward.
Failures in Buffalo's Blizzard Response Highlighted in NYU Study
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
A report by researchers at New York University found multiple failures in Buffalo's response to a blizzard that killed 31 residents in December 2022. Emergency warnings did not adequately convey the life-threatening nature of the storm, and coordination between city, county, and state officials became strained. The report also highlighted economic disparities that made the storm more challenging for low-income residents. The researchers recommended building better communication systems, improving facilities, and fully staffing a Traffic Management Center. The report did not dig deep enough into the causes of the failures, according to some community leaders and experts.
Race Against Time: Cadaver Dogs Search for Survivors in Iowa Building Collapse.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC News
An elite task force with cadaver dogs is searching for survivors in a partially collapsed building in Davenport, Iowa. Three people remain missing, and officials have warned that the structure is unstable and continues to degrade. The search is a race against time, and crews are working with structural engineers to best search the building while avoiding the pile of debris, which is currently contributing to the stability.
Matthew 25 Ministries aids Mississippi tornado victims.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WKRC TV Cincinnati
Matthew 25: Ministries is sending a disaster response team to Mississippi to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief after tornadoes hit the state, causing significant damage and leaving many without power.