Update – At Least 115 Dead and Nearly 400 Missing After Maui Wildfires: How to Help

It’s been three weeks since deadly wildfires tore through the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui on August 8th. The death toll has crept up to 115—the task of identifying victims is incredibly difficult—but mercifully the number of missing people has reduced drastically, from 1,300 initially reported missing to a list of 388 compiled by the FBI.

On Thursday, August 25th, Maui County sued Hawaiian Electric, accusing the company of failing to shut off power despite repeated warnings of the potential for devastating fires. According to the suit filed in the state’s Second Circuit Court, the county is seeking damages and compensation against Hawaiian Electric and three related companies. The utility faces at least 11 other lawsuits in relation to the fires, some from residents of Lahaina. Drought conditions and dry weather, exacerbated by climate change, created the conditions for the devasting fire, but it was hurricane winds that fanned the flames, causing widespread devastation.

Here are some of the charities asking for donations to help the victims of the disaster:

• Aloha United Way: Donations go directly to Maui United Way to support Maui victims

• American Red Cross of Hawaii: Emergency shelters are providing those affected by the Maui wildfires with information, hot meals, and health services

• Maui Food Bank: Collaborating with various relief organizations to distribute supplies throughout Maui County

• Maui Mutual Aid Fund: Asking for donations to support vulnerable residents, such as the elderly, those with physical disabilities, renters, and individuals without insurance

• Maui United Way: Accepting donations to its Maui Fire and Disaster Relief fund, which provides direct relief to families and nonprofits directly affected by the disaster