An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings on the waterfront burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
A survivor of the horrific wildfires that engulfed Lahaina town on Maui island, Hawaii on Wednesday says she has "lost everything".
Officials have confirmed the deadly fires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane, Dora, has killed at least 36 people and forced tourists and residents to escape and find refuge at evacuation sites, Hawaii Public Radio reported.
Thousands of people on Maui have been impacted by the tragic event, fleeing to Kahului Airport and nearby evacuation centers.
Maui's hospital system has been overwhelmed with burn patients and people suffering from smoke inhalation, the BBC reported.
Alejandra Bautista told RNZ Pacific on Wednesday she was residing at the War Memorial Gymnasium in the northern area of Maui with other survivors but vividly recalls the terrifying moment.
Bautista said she was safe but was devastated.
"We were in the home with my husband and just looked there's smoke outside and it was scary and just grabbed some things and go," she said.
"I've lost my house."
She said there were hundreds of survivors seeking shelter at the gymnasium.
Lahaina, considered the historic capital of Hawaii, has suffered significant damages, with up to 270 buildings affected and around 14,000 people remain without power and communication services.
"Entry into Lahaina remains restricted while the firefighting effort continues, with Lahaina-bound vehicles being stopped on Honoapiilani Highway at Maʻalaea," according to Maui County officials.
The officials say 80 percent of the widlfire is reported to be contained.
"However, Lahaina remains without power as crews work to clear the roads of fallen trees and debris. Heavy equipment was used to create firebreaks through the night as firefighters secured the perimeter," Hawaii Public Radio reported.
US President Joe Biden has declared the wildfires a major disaster.
He has ordered to make federal funding available to supplement recovery efforts in areas affected by the wildfires which began on August 8.
"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 said in a statement.
"Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County, and assistance for emergency protective measures for Hawaii County."