Death toll from wildfire in USA's Hawaii rises to 99, emergency declared in Canadian city of Yellowknife

The death toll from a devastating wildfire on the island of Maui in the US state of Hawaii has risen to 99, officials said on Tuesday. Addressing reporters, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said the death toll so far stood at 99 and that about 25 percent of the affected area had been searched, Xinhua news agency reported.

Search continues for scorched ruins

"The scale of the destruction is unbelievable," said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. According to the governor, more than 2,200 structures were destroyed by the fire, about 86 percent of which were residential buildings. In an interview on Monday, the governor warned that 10 to 20 more wildfire victims could be found daily as search teams continue combing the scorched ruins on the island.

The wildfire is now the deadliest in modern US history in more than a century, surpassing the Camp Fire in California on November 8, 2018, which killed at least 85 people. Maui County officials said in their latest update that the Lahaina fire, which has burned 2,170 acres, was 85 percent contained as of Monday evening.

Wildfires have almost completely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, a popular Maui tourist destination and once the capital of the state of Hawaii. It is home to approximately 13,000 residents. Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging that a fallen power line on Maui caused the deadly wildfire.

State of emergency declared in Yellowknife

On the other hand, the northern Canadian city of Yellowknife has declared a state of emergency due to wildfires. Making the announcement, the official said residents should remain calm and ensure they are prepared. Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories, and with approximately 20,000 residents, it is one of the largest cities.

Wildfires have engulfed almost all 13 Canadian provinces. So far 265 forest fires have broken out in the North-Western region.