Disaster Management News

Maui Emergency Office Faces Backlash for Delayed Response and Resignation

Hawaii state emergency management personnel sent a reminder to the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) that the island's all-hazard siren system could be used before a fire swept through Lahaina, killing at least 114 people. However, MEMA's top emergency official, Herman Andaya, did not consider the sirens as an option because they are mainly used for tsunamis. Andaya has since resigned, citing health reasons. MEMA instead opted to activate warnings through cell phones, but many survivors claim they received no warnings at all.