Rioters clash with cops after 80 dead and 1,500 missing in Hawaii wildfires

12 August 2023 , 19:59

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Homes and businesses are seen that have been destroyed by the wildfire, which has killed at least 80 people (Image: Getty Images)

The death toll in the devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui reached at least 80 tonight as a new blaze triggered more evacuations.

About 1,500 people are still missing and officials believe the wildfires could end up being the deadliest disaster in the state’s history. Sniffer dogs were used to search for the dead as residents were evacuated from the western area of Kaanapali as the flames swept closer.

The order to leave came on Friday night, just hours after residents of nearby Lahaina were allowed to briefly return to take stock of the devastation. But rioters clashed with police when the main road was temporarily opened.

A man searches for the urn with the ashes of his son in the ruins of what once was his bedroom (ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Maui Police Department announced on social media the death toll had risen again and said 14,900 visitors left by air on Thursday. Search-and-rescue operations continued yesterday and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. warned that the death toll was likely to rise further.

The wildfires are considered the largest natural disaster in Hawaii's state history (ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Many fire survivors said they did not hear sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, only realising they were in danger when they saw flames or heard explosions. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach.

Thousands flee as wildfires tear through western Canada with emergency declared

A firefighting helicopter prepares to drop water near a home that was destroyed by a wildfire (Getty Images)

Health officials are warning the burning areas are highly toxic and to wear masks and gloves. They are also asking people to just text rather than call when using their mobile phones to protect the network.

Karen Rockett