Hawaii fires: At least 53 dead and 1,000 missing as entire town ‘gone’

The death toll from the devastating Hawaii fires has risen to 53 and as many as 1,000 people remain missing on the island of Maui. 

Major wildfires are still burning across the island while neighbouring Big Island is also grappling with blazes – though officials say these are under control. 

Hawaii’s governor called the fires the “largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history” and said the historic town of Lahaina is “gone.” 

Governor Josh Green warned: “We will continue to see loss of life,” as 53 bodies have been recovered and as many as 1,000 people are missing. But authorities say the number missing may be slightly exaggerated as many could be out of reach due to downed communication lines.

In Lahaina in the west, the fire bazed through the town so quickly, people had to jump into the sea to avoid the flames. 

Tens of thousands of tourists have been evacuated and 11,000 people are without power on the western half of the island.