36 dead in fires in Hawaii, tens of thousands of residents evacuated

Hawaii is on fire: At least 36 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a wave of widespread fires that broke out last night (Wednesday) on Maui Island, alongside hundreds of buildings that were damaged or completely destroyed by the flames. According to local authorities, over 11,000 residents have been evacuated from the fire-affected areas.

According to firefighting teams' data, 7 fires broke out in various areas across Hawaii in the past 24 hours. The flames spread rapidly due to strong winds recorded in the aftermath of Hurricane Dora, located south of Hawaii – though it is not expected to reach the mainland.

The main damage was reported in the town of Lahaina in the northwest of the island, where dozens of bodies were found during firefighting operations to contain a forest fire. Damage to over 270 buildings was also reported. "The town was almost completely ruined, it's apocalyptic scenes," said Senator Brian Schatz, who represents Hawaii in the American Congress. Due to the fires, roads leading to the town were blocked, and many people reported jumping into the sea to escape the flames.