Authorities reported that a CBS crew that was with renowned anchor Oprah Winfrey was turned away from a Maui shelter for survivors. The decision was made due to the county's policy to not give the media access to emergency shelters out of respect for the victims. "Oprah was able to visit our shelter and we thank her for instructing media journalists and camera crews to remain outside," Maui County wrote in a statement.
The television star, who lives partially on the Hawaiian island, has reached out several times to those affected by the fires. "Her visit inside of the shelter today was truly heartwarming and we appreciate her understanding of our policy of having no camera crews or reporters accompanying dignitaries and celebrities in our emergency shelters," the county said.
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At least 96 dead after devastating fire in Maui
Oprah's visit came at a time when at least 96 people have reportedly been killed in the tragedy. It is one of the deadliest fires in the United States in the last 100 years, according to an investigation by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The authorities are struggling to carry out search efforts. In fact, Chief of Police John Pelletier said that it is difficult to identify the deceased because the bodies "fall apart." For this reason, he asked people to be patient: "We know we’ve got to go quick, but we’ve got to do it right," Pelletier emphasized.
Maui police chief John Pelletier became emotional when he told reporters the fire had melted metal, making remains extremely hard to identify.
People with missing family members are being urged to give DNA samples to help authorities identify victims.https://t.co/rdPk9KCULG pic.twitter.com/WgpwgftME5
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 13, 2023
In addition, several people reported that Maui's emergency sirens failed to alert residents of an approaching fire. This Monday it was reported that a Hawaiian couple is suing four power companies, accusing them of ignoring weather warnings and failing to shut off power despite dangerous conditions.
When the fires hit, Maui's warning sirens were deathly silent https://t.co/8Ajp5ecKe6
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 14, 2023
Fox News was given access to the lawsuit which alleges that the companies failed to take the appropriate measures. "According to the suit, the National Weather Service had issued a High Wind Watch and Red Flag Warning, cautioning that energized power lines could make a fire develop more rapidly."
Likewise, Anne Lopez, the state attorney general, announced that she will conduct a comprehensive review of the decision-making policies that were implemented to combat the wildfires on Maui. "My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review," Lopez said in a statement.
Attorney General Lopez announces the initiation of a comprehensive review of decision-making concerning Hawaii wildfireshttps://t.co/zVPsHg0FFO
— Hawaii AG Anne E. Lopez (@AtghIgov) August 12, 2023
