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A catastrophic wildfire has ravaged the serene landscapes of the Hawaiian island of Maui. And has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The death toll rises to at least 53. And once-vibrant colorful neighborhoods have been reduced to a wasteland of gray ash and rubble.

UPDATE: As of August 13, the death toll has risen to 93.

Survivors tell their stories of escaping with only the clothes on their backs.

Aerial views of the historic town of Lahaina reveal the extent of the tragedy. The fire's flames spared no corner of this once-thriving community. Smoke continues to hang over Lahaina, a town that dates back to the 1700s and stands as the largest community on Maui's west side.

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The famous Front Street, where tourists shopped and dined, lies in ruins, a stark contrast to the bustling scene that existed just days ago.

The fire's devastation extended beyond buildings and historical landmarks. In the harbor once dotted with boats, scorched vessels float. 

The Island of Maui still smolders

Hawaii's Governor, Josh Green, spoke of the heartbreaking situation,"Lahaina, with a few rare exceptions, has been burned down." 

He updated the state saying over 1,000 structures have been destroyed by the fires that continue to burn. Making this disaster one of the deadliest in the state, since a devastating tsunami in 1961.

President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster on Maui, pledging a swift federal response to aid those affected. As the world witnesses the devastation caused by the Maui wildfire.

The wildfires were fueled by a combination of factors. This includes flash drought, invasive grasses, strong winds from a passing hurricane, and the overarching influence of climate change. 

These elements created the perfect storm for Maui's devastating fires, which caught the island by surprise. The destruction has reached staggering proportions, with the official death toll of 53 and many missing. This is the deadliest wildfire in the United States since the 2018 Camp Fire in California.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the challenging conditions have hindered access to certain areas. Some survivors anxiously wait for news of their loved ones. The island's communication infrastructure has been severely disrupted, adding to the chaos of the situation.

As Hawaii grapples with this tragedy, stories of courage and resilience emerge. People, faced with mere minutes to react, have fled into the ocean or navigated through roads choked with traffic and toxic smoke. The community's unity in the face of adversity shines as they support one another in these trying times.