A new report details respiratory ailments, mental health conditions and lack of access to medical care following the deadly fire in Lahaina in August.

U.S.
They survived Maui's deadly wildfires. Now many are suffering from food insecurity and deteriorating health.
By Li Cohen

May 16, 2024 / 12:44 PM EDT / CBS News

It's been nine months since deadly wildfires scorched across the Hawaiian island of Maui, killing dozens of people and leaving the historic town of Lahaina in ashes. And according to a new study, people are still feeling the effects of those fires — with many food insecure and at risk for serious health issues.

Preliminary results of largest study of its kind show 55% of survivors are living with depression, while 74% have respiratory issues

Nearly half of the Maui residents affected by the fires experienced a decline in health compared to a year ago, and they continue to face difficulties accessing medical care and medications. These are just two of the findings from the most comprehensive cohort study dedicated to understanding and mitigating the impacts of the Maui wildfires.

Maui fire survivors are still experiencing high rates of physical and mental illnesses, along with food, housing and job insecurity.

A new University of Hawaii study is shining a spotlight on the potential for long-term health concerns among Maui wildfire survivors. Nearly 700 participants from West Maui and Upcountry took part in the study.

Six months after the devastating Maui wildfires, many survivors are suffering from depression, poor health and financial struggles, according to researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Hawaii lawmakers are being asked to pony up funds to support a comprehensive study of residents affected by the Aug. 8 fires.

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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research efforts to analyze the short- and long-term health effects of exposure to the deadly Maui wildfires were shared with the Hawaiʻi House Committee on Health and Homelessness on January 24.

A team of University of Hawai’i at Mānoa researchers are asking Maui residents to participate in a study to analyze the short- and long-term health effects of exposure to the deadly wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and parts of Kula. Registration begins January 5.

Nearly five months after the wildfires devastated parts of Maui, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa researchers are calling for at least 1,000 Valley Isle residents affected by the fire to participate in what’s known as the "largest study in the state."