[Wildfire. Photo Credit to Pxhere]

In a shocking turn of events, the Lahaina fire has escalated into what is now being recognized as the most catastrophic disaster in Hawaiian state history.

The extent of damages inflicted upon the beautiful island of Maui has left local residents and officials stunned, while the number of missing individuals continues to climb.

As the fire ceases, Maui releases lists of people missing after the fire in desperate hopes of finding any survivors. 

It has been about 2 weeks since the deadly wildfire swept Maui, but the count for the deceased and the missing is still ongoing.

The current list of missing people stands at 388, and the victims of the tragic event are being recognized and listed by name.

Still, the search amidst the ashes continues, as families desperately wait for any trace of their loved ones.

Fortunately, many people on the very first missing list were confirmed to be alive, with 1,732 of them located safely and in good health.

However, the tragedy continues as many on the missing lists share the same last names, suggesting that whole families perished during the fire.

Officials claim that this listing is a time-consuming project that will bring pain to the families and loved ones of the people listed. 

Maui officials have confirmed that 115 people are dead, and the death toll may go up as individuals listed are confirmed to be dead.

Meanwhile, Maui county has filed a lawsuit against the Hawaiian Electric Co., accusing them of not listening to continuous warnings about shutting the power off, which increased the likelihood of fires.

Especially in the aftermath of this tragic wildfire, the Hawaiian Electric Co. is viewed even more negatively, with some Lahaina residents even suing them.

Facing many lawsuits, at least 11 in total, the Hawaiian Electric Co. claimed that their priority is to help and support the local residents to get back to their lives. 

They express disappointment in how Maui county is placing blame on them.

As investigations unfold, questions arise about when and how Lahaina will be able to clean and restore their historic town. 

With 2,170 acres burned, Lahaina is left with nothing standing on its ground, except for a miraculously intact red-roofed house. 

Based on the seriousness of the matter, President Joe Biden and First lady Jill Biden visited Lahaina to offer their support and condolences. 

The president promised long-term support to help residents regain their livelihoods. 

He also discussed long-term restoration efforts, considering the cultural and historical significance of Lahaina.

There were some bitter comments from both Lahaina residents and the public about the attitude of the President toward this matter, as he made light-hearted jokes amid the tragedy before him.

Moreover, rumors are emerging questioning whether the wildfire was ‘really’ a wildfire, particularly with speculation about the timing of the fire.

The Emergency Housing Proclamation, passed about a week before the tragedy, sparked  debate about its effects, as it gives a lot of power to property developers to act as they see fit.

As the tragic fire happened a week later, some members of the public are suspecting whether the wildfire was intentionally delayed or caused unnaturally to clear the property.

Despite the many rumors and opinions, it remains crucial to focus on the living conditions of the surviving residents and how to restore the city, providing adequate compensation to satisfy the affected residents.