More than $22 million has been raised via GoFundMe appeals to directly help communities affected by wildfires which devastated parts of Maui, according to latest figures.
At least 175,000 people across all 50 US states and more than 100 countries have donated, with the average donation of $125.
GoFundMe.org’s Wildfire Relief Fund has raised over $560,000 alone, with donations enabling immediate relief grants to people impacted by the wildfires, as well as local non-profit organisations supporting efforts on the ground.
More than 100 grants have been made directly to individuals personally impacted by the fires on the Hawaiian island which broke out a week ago, destroying almost all of the historic coastal town of Lahaina with a death toll of almost 100 but with 1,300 people missing.
Hawaii governor Josh Green told CBS News it could take up to 10 days to learn the full death toll from the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century.
A GoFundMe crisis response spokesperson said: “The need for relief continues to grow as over 90 people have been killed, and many communities have been burnt to the ground.
“Search and rescue efforts remain underway for the missing, and thousands of people have been displaced who are in need of immediate relief, such as shelter and food.”
Through Classy, an affiliate of GoFundMe, charities have raised more than $6 million to aid with their response on the island.
This includes organisations like World Central Kitchen, Direct Relief, and the Salvation Army who are supporting the local community and first responders with emergency supplies and food and water needs.
Meanwhile, travel providers industry-wide are stepping up with assistance for Maui in the aftermath of the island’s tragedy, according to the US Travel Association.
A spokesperson for the trade body said: “Disaster is all too familiar in some of America’s most desired destinations.
“Fortunately, history shows they often come back stronger than ever. Our hearts are with Maui and those affected at this time.”
Hawaiian Airlines is donating $150,000 – $50,000 each to Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Food Bank and the Hawaii Community Foundation – to support the organisations’ wildfire relief work.
The carrier, which evacuated 17,000 people from the region and flew in 54,000 pounds of essential supplies, is also supporting a fund-raising benefit concert on the island of Oahu on August 20 by flying in artists, event organisers and participants, and providing volunteers.
Delta Air Lines contributed $250,000 to the disaster response and relief efforts on Maui.