Death toll from devastating wildfires in Maui climbs to 53

Hawaii, The Gulf Observer: The death toll from devastating wildfires in Maui climbed to 53 Thursday, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told media.

“We’re talking about the largest natural disaster of this generation in Hawaii,” Green said. “We are heart-sick that there are more than the original 36 who have passed.”

He expects the number to increase as crews continue to search for survivors.

Green said it looks like there have been more than 1,000 structures destroyed.

“Lahaina, with a few rare exceptions, has been burned down,” Green said after walking the town Thursday morning with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “Without a doubt, it feels like a bomb was dropped on Lahaina.”