Joe Biden has declared Hawaii a disaster area after a massive wildfire killed at least 36 people.
The wildfires, driven by a dry summer and strong winds, also forced thousands to flee and destroyed parts of in the historic town of Lahaina – one of the main attractions on the island of Maui.
Some people have been forced to jump into the ocean to escape the flames.
A mass evacuation effort for stranded visitors and residents is under way, with buses set to pick up people in Kaanapali, north of the town of Lahaina.
Visitors will be taken directly to the Kahului Airport and residents to a shelter in central Maui.
There are six active fires on Maui and Hawaii’s Big Island, with roughly 2,000 acres already burned, according to Hawaii Emergency Management on Thursday morning.
Pic: @lei_dubzz
The disaster designation announced by Mr Biden clears the way for federal aid to help the affected communities.
It will allow affected individuals to apply for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and allow business owners to apply for programs to recover from the disaster, the White House said in a statement.
Pic: @lei_dubzz
The US president expressed his condolences during a phone call to Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
Speaking in Utah, he said: “Anyone who’s lost a loved one, or whose home has been damaged or destroyed, is going to get help immediately.
“Every asset we have will be available to them. And we’ve seen we’ve seen their homes destroyed and some have lost loved ones. And it’s not over yet.
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Biden declares major disaster in Hawaii
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“We’re working as quickly as possible to fight these fires and evacuate residents and tourists.”
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Inside Maui airport as wildfires spread
People gather at the Kahului Airport while waiting for flights. Pic: AP
On a visit to Maui, US senator Brian Schatz said the “winds are finally backing off,” but the “number of dead continues to rise”.
He did not give any further details on the number of casualties.
Pic: AP
Thousands of residents have already fled their homes, while more than 11,400 tourists have been evacuated to nearby islands.
A further 1,500 visitors are expected to leave on Thursday as United Airlines and American Airlines have sent planes to evacuate passengers.
Pic:AP
Pic:AP
Search and rescue teams continue to search devastated areas in Hawaii’s former capital, but some areas will not be accessible until fire lines are secure.
Lahiana, is a popular tourist destination that dates back to the 1700s and is the biggest community on Maui’s west side.
Mr Green said the “entirety” of the town will need to be rebuilt after 271 structures had been damaged or destroyed.
The disaster is the worst Hawaii has seen since 1960, when a tsunami killed 61 people.
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