Hawaii Governor Josh Green reported on Thursday that the destructive Maui wildfires have claimed the lives of 53 individuals, and sadly, the number of casualties is anticipated to climb further.

Ongoing search and rescue efforts are being carried out, as Green noted. These wildfires are poised to become the most fatal natural catastrophe in the state since a 1961 tsunami took 61 lives on the Big Island.

The fires, which are currently ablaze in Lahaina and its vicinity, have led to the destruction of over 1,000 structures.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Governor Green remarked, “With a few exceptions, Lahaina has been engulfed by the flames.”

Source: Associated Press