Hawaii wildfires declared an emergency as land is scorched 'like an apocalypse'

President Joe Biden has issued a "major disaster declaration" after 36 are dead from wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The US president's action makes federal funds available to aid in recovery efforts on the island.

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

Authorities say it's too early to know the extent of the damage, but at least 270 buildings have been destroyed.