The change in the death count was prompted by advanced genetic testing conducted by anthropologists at the US Department of Defense, Hawaii Gov. As of Friday, 31 people remain unaccounted for after the fires devastated many communities in Maui County. The first zones that will be accessible to residents for return are expected to be announced next week, Maui County said in a news release Friday. Residents and property owners will be required to receive passes for reentry beginning September 22, county officials said in the news release. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Advanced DNA testing prompts officials to revise Maui fires death toll to 97, down from 115"

Source: CNN September 16, 2023 16:02 UTC