Maui releases names of 388 people missing from fire

NEW YORK - The County of Maui has released a validated list of names of 388 individuals who have been reported missing in the Lahaina wildfire disaster.

The validation was compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is assisting the Maui Police Department in identifying and locating all reported unaccounted-for individuals.

The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce earlier said Filipinos were among those missing in the wildfires that started early August.

In a press release, the Maui Police Department asked the public to provide any additional information about those who are unaccounted for.

"The Maui Police Department needs the public's help in providing information about anyone who is reported as unaccounted for and whose name is on this list, but who you know can be accounted for.

If you recognize a name on the list and know the person to be safe, or if you have additional information about the person that may help locate them, please contact the FBI at (808) 566-4300 or HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov as soon as possible."

GMA News Online earlier reported about Glenda Yabes and eight other relatives missing in the fire.  The other names are  Angelica Baclig, Joel Villegas, Adela Villegas, Junmark Quijano, Felimon Quijano, Luz Bernabe, Lydia Coloma, and Salvador Coloma.

Meanwhile, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier released a video statement addressing the families of those who are on the validated list, expressing understanding.

"We also understand that once these names are released, it can and will cause pain for the folks whose loved ones are listed. This is not an easy thing to do, but we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to make this investigation as complete and thorough as possible."

It is not clear whether this number of unaccounted-for individuals is part of the 1,100 individuals who are still reported as missing.

The MPD is still requesting families who still have missing loved ones to email the name, last name, and a verified contact number of the person who reported the individual as unaccounted for to unaccounted@mpd.net.

They are also asking immediate family members of those missing individuals to provide DNA samples to assist in the identification process for the recovered human remains.

If you live outside of Maui, please contact the FBI at (808) 566-4300 or HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov to coordinate the submission of a DNA sample.

As of August 24, 2024, an additional 1,732 individuals who were originally reported as missing have been found and are well.—LDF, GMA Integrated News.