WHAT was once a famous tourist island bustling with activities days ago transformed into a scene of widespread devastation after a raging inferno burning for days reduced Maui into ashes.
“Oh my gosh look at the harbor…oh my gosh!” rescue team said.
The wildfires allegedly fueled by distant hurricanes exploded on Tuesday night.
Death toll rose to 53 as of Thursday evening while the blazes destroyed more than 1,700 structures in the town of 12,000 people.
Areas where popular destination spots and landmarks once stood were replaced with foundations charred beyond recognition.
Six fires are burning on Maui and the Big Island, while officials battling the blazes said the Lahaina fire is now 80% contained.
Officials deployed cadaver dogs to help search for human remains.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to areas affected by wildfires which took effect on August 8.
Officials said the wildfires is likely to become the state’s deadliest natural disaster since 1961 when a tsunami killed 61 people on the Big Island.
