"Hawaii Wildfires Claim 36 Lives, Lahaina Ravaged by Devastating Flames"

 In the U.S. state of Hawaii, the death toll from wildfires has reached 36. Large parts of Maui's resort town, Lahaina, have been devastated by flames. Firefighters are working to control the fires. Some individuals sought refuge in the ocean to escape the blaze.

Images reveal the aftermath of the extensive damage. Officials are struggling to assess the full scope of destruction, cautioning that the death toll could rise further.

In Lahaina, desperate calls urged people to evacuate as flames threatened the historic city. Many neighborhoods were razed, and evacuation efforts faced challenges due to limited access. Some took to the ocean to escape smoke and flames.

The fires were fueled by strong winds from a hurricane and exacerbated by hot, dry weather, potentially linked to climate change.

President Joe Biden offered condolences and support while praising firefighters' efforts. Federal assets are deployed to aid the response. Hospitals are treating burn and smoke inhalation victims.

CBS correspondent Jonathan Vignoletti reported from Maui, describing the devastation witnessed in Lahaina. The fire ignited due to hurricane-force winds and swiftly escalated. Evacuations are in place for thousands, including stranded tourists. Rescue efforts persist on the island.

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