GRIM REALITY: 55 LIVES LOST IN MAUI'S DEADLY WILDFIRE DISASTER

The death toll from devastating wildfires in Maui climbed to 55 Thursday, Hawaii Gov Josh Green said.

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“We’re talking about the largest natural disaster of this generation in Hawaii,” Green told The Associated Press.. “We are heart-sick that there are more than the original 36 who have passed.” He expects the number to increase as crews continue to search for survivors. Green said it looks like there have been more than 1,000 structures destroyed.

“Lahaina, with a few rare exceptions, has been burned down,” Green said after walking the town Thursday morning with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “Without a doubt, it feel like a bomb was dropped on Lahaina.”

Philanthropy experts recommend that people seeking to donate to Maui’s wildfire victims wait to do so. Regine Webster, vice president of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, says the full scope of need may not be known for up to a week as firefighters finish up their response. She also urged potential donors to support organisations with deep local ties and community knowledge.