Hawaii wildfires death toll now 53

BBC Live Summary 

The death toll from the Hawaii wildfires has risen by 17 fatalities, to a total of 53, officials in Maui said Thursday afternoon

Governor Josh Green calls the wildfires the "largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history" and says it's a "heartbreaking day"

As many as 1,700 buildings have been destroyed and 80% of the historic town of Lahaina is gone, Green said

Joe Biden issued a "major disaster declaration" for the wildfires on the Hawaiian island, which releases funds for recovery

The wildfires began on Tuesday and spread quickly, fuelled by strong winds generated by Hurricane Dora

More than 14,000 tourists have been evacuated and 11,000 people are still without power on Maui

/MHK/