To the latest in the wildfires gripping Hawaii.
Many buildings in Maui County have been reduced to rubble as the death toll has climbed to at least 55.
Misery is haunting Maui.
The unrelenting wildfire is gobbling up much of Hawaii, obliterating houses in its path.
The fire turned Lahaina, a picturesque town, into a wasteland where some 300 structures were destroyed.
Authorities say at least 55 people have been killed so far.
The wildfires did not discriminate.
Satellite images reveal scenes of catastrophic damage where buildings were decimated.
The fires began on Tuesday night as powerful winds from Hurricane Dora fanned the flames in Maui County.
That's where 14 people jumped into the harbour to flee the flames and smoke before they were rescued.
Survivors described the heartbreak of seeing their homes in ruins.
JAMIE BROWN, Survivor:
Woke up this morning and got on our phones to pictures of our house just down to the slab.
Nothing but smoke, cinders.
Mandatory evacuation orders were in place for Lahaina residents who are hunkering down in shelters.
With patchy communications, authorities fear more bodies may be trapped inside the gutted homes and vehicles.
Disarray plagued Maui's Kahului Airport where thousands of horrified tourists are seeking a flight out.
RICK CREW, Traveller:
We could watch and see the fire as it was growing, and at night it was just so bright from the flames and everything.
Everything we saw the day before was so lush and beautiful... it's just completely gone now.
BLESSING ENEKWE, Traveller:
To just view what's happened in Lahaina was really, really so sad.
The fire is reportedly 80 percent contained.
It is the deadliest wildfires in the United States since California's Camp Fire which killed at least 85 people in 2018.
The National Guard has been mobilised to help firefighters battle flames on the frontlines.
Approving a major disaster declaration for Hawaii, U.S. President Joe Biden promised help for those in need.
JOE BIDEN, United States President:
Anyone who’s lost a loved one, whose home has been damaged or destroyed is going to get help immediately.
In the meantime, our prayers are with the people of Hawaii.
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