Mobile morgues have been brought in and families of the missing were asked to submit DNA as crews work to identify the mounting number of bodies found on the island.
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“We are heartsick that we’ve had such loss,” Hawaii Governor Josh Green while announcing the new deaths on Tuesday night.
About 1,000 people are still missing and firefighters are working around the clock to contain the deadliest US wildfire in modern history.
The governor previously said that he fears the death toll will double by next week.
“We are prepared for many tragic stories. They will find 10 to 20 people per day, probably, until they finish. And it’s probably going to take 10 days,” Green said on Monday.
“It’s impossible to guess, really.”
Inspectors and cadaver dogs are searching the town of Lahaina, where the fire started on August 8.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has deployed a team of coroners, pathologists, and technicians, along with exam tables, X-ray units, and other equipment to help identify victims and process the remains, said Jonathan Greene, the deputy assistant secretary for response.
“It’s going to be a very, very difficult mission,” he said.
“And patience will be incredibly important because of the number of victims.”
The first list of victim names is expected to be released today.
TOWN TURNED TO ASH
In the week since the blaze tore through the historic city, survivors have been forced to move into hotel rooms as donations of food, ice, water, and other necessities are being delivered.
Crews and cadaver dogs have combed through 32 percent of the area devastated by the fires.
Green asked for patience after authorities became overwhelmed with requests to visit the burn area.
So far, only three bodies have been identified, said Maui Police Chief John Pelletier, who asked families with missing relatives to provide DNA samples.
So far 41 samples have been submitted and 13 DNA profiles have been obtained from remains, according to a statement from state officials.
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