Maui’s number of people not accounted for after fires rises back above 1,000

The number of people unaccounted for after the recent Maui fires has risen back to between 1,000 and 1,100 according to the FBI.

Current situation: The FBI reports that the number of unaccounted-for people has risen above initial estimates due to the complex and fluctuating nature of the data.
* FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill attributes the fluctuation to a lack of detail in some reports and the existence of multiple lists of missing individuals.
* About 1,400 of the people initially unaccounted for have been located, leaving around 1,000 still unaccounted for.

Efforts to identify missing people: DNA testing is being used to help identify some of those missing, with anonymous family members submitting DNA samples.
* So far, 104 family-referenced DNA samples have been collected to assist in the identification of the remains.
* Authorities have identified 43 of the 115 known casualties of the fires using advanced DNA analysis.

Additional information: Despite the complete search of single-story residential properties in the disaster area, some people’s fates may still remain unknown.
* Maui Police Chief John Pelletier points out that in some cases, only ash, rather than whole bodies, are being retrieved.
* The official search effort is now focusing on multi-story residential and commercial properties.

Community impact: Although authorities are making strides in data analysis and identification, there is an acknowledged likelihood that not all those missing will be found.
* Families of those missing are being encouraged to submit DNA samples to assist the identification process.
* Maui residents and relatives from other parts of the U.S are being guided on how to submit DNA samples for this cause.

View original article on NPR

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