A wildfire broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui in the United States, killing 36 people

A fire has broken out on the Hawaiian island of Maui in the United States. At least 36 people have been reported dead.

This is reported by CNN.

More than 270 homes in the city of Lahaina were completely or partially destroyed.

The Coast Guard and the Navy are searching for missing people, but due to mobile phone service interruptions, people cannot even call 911.

Hospitals in Maui were overwhelmed with burn patients and people affected by smoke inhalation.

"Some patients should be sent elsewhere because Maui hospitals are not equipped to treat burns extensively, but transportation issues have made this difficult," said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke.

US President Biden has ordered federal aid to complement state and local response efforts in the areas affected by the wildfires.

"Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," the White House statement reads.

The fires broke out on the island of Maui on August 8, 2023, and are still ongoing.

Photo: Matthew Thayer | AP