Schools reopening, traffic moving again in signs of recovery from Maui fires that killed 110

Maui schools reopen, traffic resumes & FEMA opens recovery centre after wildfires kill 110. Search & recovery teams find family of 4 in car & 7 family members in house.

Public schools on Maui started the process of reopening and traffic resumed on a major road in signs of recovery a week after wildfires demolished a historic town and killed at least 110 people, while the head of the island's emergency agency said he had “no regret” that sirens weren't sounded to warn people about the encroaching flames.

At least three schools untouched by flames in Lahaina, where entire neighbourhoods were reduced to ash, were still being assessed after sustaining wind damage, Hawaii Department of Education superintendent Keith Hayashi said.

Also read: Maui wildfire death toll surpasses 100; mobile morgue arrives to assist in identification of dead

“There’s still a lot of work to do, but overall the campuses and classrooms are in good condition structurally, which is encouraging,” Mr. Hayashi said in a video update. “We know the recovery effort is still in the early stages, and we continue to grieve the many lives lost.”

Elsewhere crews cleaned up ash and debris at schools and tested air and water quality. Displaced students who enrol at those campuses can access services such as meals and counselling, Mr. Hayashi said. The education department is also offering counselling for students, family members and staff.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened its first disaster recovery centre on Maui, “an important first step" toward helping residents get information about assistance, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said Wednesday. They also can go there for updates on aid applications.

Ms. Criswell said she would accompany President Joe Biden on Monday when he visits to survey the damage and “bring hope."