'A heart-breaking day': 53 die after Hawaii wildfires - as governor warns fatalities will rise

‘A heart-breaking day’: 53 die after Hawaii wildfires – as governor warns fatalities will rise

At least 53 people have died following devastating wildfires in Hawaii – with the state’s governor describing it as a “heart-breaking day”.

Speaking at a news conference, Josh Green said this was “likely the largest natural disaster” in the state’s history.

He warned that the number of fatalities will rise further, and will probably surpass the 61 lives lost after a tsunami in 1960.

“What we’ve seen today has been catastrophic, but we tell you there’s going to be a team effort to bring our state back,” Mr Green told reporters.

He added that many hundreds of homes have been destroyed – and thousands of people are in need of temporary accommodation.

Hundreds of homes have been destroyed and Governor Green says the thousands of people displaced will require housing.

The state is initially seeking 2,000 rooms to accommodate them, and will reach out to hotels.

But Green has also called for anyone with spare rooms across the island of Maui to open up their homes to those needing shelter.

“If you have additional space in your home, if you have the capacity to house somebody… please consider bringing those people into your lives,” Green said.

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