Maui fire kills over 90; governor warns significant increase in death toll

Around 89 people have been confirmed dead on the Hawaiian island of Maui as a result of forest and brush fires, and more are believed to be dead foreign media reported.

The debate over whether the government could have handled one of the worst fire disasters in American history much better is also becoming more and more vocal.

Josh Green, the governor of Hawaii, issued a warning that as the investigation to identify the victims continues, the number of victims may increase noticeably foreign media reported. 

While hundreds more people who fled the flames have been forced into shelters all over Maui, hundreds of others are still missing. 

The blaze will rank as Hawaii's worst-ever natural disaster. Governor Green emphasized the value of helping the living and placing an emphasis on reunited people, housing, healthcare, and rebuilding. 

Although the wildfires are now largely under control, work is still being done to completely put them out in some areas of the island, including the area around Lahaina. 

Sniffer dogs are being used by the authorities to search the coastal region, but so far only 3% of the area has been searched. To identify over 90 unidentified victims, urgent DNA testing is required.