Satellite images have been able to capture the destruction caused by forest fire on the island Maui, Hawaiishowing dozens of buildings reduced to rubble and many areas engulfed in flames.

Across the island, hundreds of buildings, including a school, church, businesses and homes, were damaged in a fire that killed at least 55 people.

Thanks to satellite images taken on June 25 and August 9, a comparison of the historic city can be made Lahaina, Maui, before and after recent wildfires.

In the photographs, you can see dozens of completely destroyed houses, buildings and structures.

While the authorities did not give the final balance, how many houses were affected by forest fires that began on Tuesday, August 8. However civil air patrol It is estimated that the number of victims of the fire could be almost 300 people.

Viola church Local media reports that the 200-year-old Lahaina building was among the structures destroyed by the fire. According to the church’s website, it was the center of Christianity in Maui and the burial place of the first members of the royal family of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

The fate of Lahaina’s other cultural assets remains unclear. Historic 18-meter banyan tree that stood on the site of the palace Hawaiian King Kamehameha III in the 19th century it was still standing, although according to a witness from Reuters.

Maui County reported this Friday morning via its website that 17 more deaths have been reported, totaling at least 55 deaths from the incident.