Kahukui: US - A devastating wildfire, fueled by hurricane-driven winds, has left the picturesque Hawaiian town of Lahaina in ruins, with an alarming death toll of at least 53 individuals. This catastrophic event marks one of the gravest disasters in the history of the United States state of Hawaii.

The nightmare began on Tuesday, when brushfires ignited along the western coast of Maui island. Fueled by the forceful winds brought by an adjacent hurricane, the flames swiftly consumed the coastal town, leaving its inhabitants little time to react. Some found themselves trapped in the streets, while others resorted to leaping into the ocean in a desperate attempt to escape the encroaching inferno.

Governor Josh Green expressed the extent of the tragedy, stating, "What we've witnessed today is a catastrophe... Likely the most significant natural disaster in Hawaii's history." Governor Green drew a grim comparison to a previous disaster, recalling a tragic incident in 1960 when a massive wave struck the Big Island and resulted in 61 fatalities – a calamity that occurred just a year after Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. Green solemnly acknowledged that the current situation could far surpass that grim toll.

As of now, Maui County officials have confirmed the loss of 53 lives, while firefighting teams continue to battle the blaze that has reduced the town to ashes. Lahaina, once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom in the 19th century, now stands as a haunting testament to the ferocity of the wildfire.

Aerial photographs captured by an AFP photographer showcase a haunting landscape of destruction. Once vibrant buildings now lie as smoldering remains, and the charred skeletons of trees pierce the skies, casting an eerie silhouette against the devastation below.

Governor Green lamented that approximately 80 percent of the town had been obliterated. He remarked, "Structures that have been cherished by our community for decades, even generations, are now completely razed."

In the wake of this disaster, thousands have been left homeless, prompting a large-scale effort to secure accommodations. Governor Green emphasized the necessity of housing the displaced, stating, "We're faced with the challenge of finding shelter for thousands of individuals. This will entail reaching out to local hotels and community members to urge them to offer additional rooms."

On Thursday, President Joe Biden declared the wildfires a "major disaster," unlocking federal assistance for relief efforts. However, residents stressed the need for further aid, recognizing that the recovery process could extend over several years.

Amid the chaos, US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey reported that around 100 people had leaped into the water in an attempt to escape the rapidly advancing flames. Helicopter operations were hindered by thick smoke, but a Coast Guard vessel managed to rescue more than 50 individuals from the water.

PHOTO: CNN