Hawaii: fires rage across the island of Maui as death toll reaches 80

At least 80 people have died, and many more have been injured as a result of the severe wildfires raging in Hawaii, especially on the island of Maui. This Wednesday, the authorities proclaimed a state of emergency and requested the deployment of the National Guard in the affected area. The county's official website has updated the death toll in the last few hours.

"As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire," the Maui County government said in a first statement as rescue efforts increased for residents trying to flee the flames spreading along the coastal area. However, they later reported that another 17 were confirmed by midday.

Lahaina is one of the most affected towns, where some locals have been forced to flee the flames by swimming into the sea. The Coast Guard has conducted numerous rescues off the local coast.

According to official updates on the city's website, hundreds of families were displaced, and dozens of businesses burned. Late in the day, the winds died down, and helicopters began to help control the fires. Kahului Airport remains open and has accommodated more than 1,800 people overnight. Most schools are closed across the island.

Dangerous wildfires spread rapidly across Maui due to very dry conditions stemming from a drought combined with powerful trade winds whipping across Hawaii due to a strong high-pressure system to the north and an intense low-pressure system - Hurricane Dora - to the south. Hawaii's Big Island was also affected by wildfires, officials said.