Hawaii wildfire death toll hits 99, with 25% of area combed

The death toll due to devastating wildfires that swept through Maui island in Hawaii of the United States has risen to 99 amid mounting fears that the fatalities could be more.

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier stated rescue teams have combed 25 percent of the town of Lahaina, the most affected by the fires.

Authorities also said the names of the deceased will be made public from Tuesday, as long as their families have been notified in advance.

The disaster has become the deadliest fire in the US in the last century, and hundreds of people are still missing