Oprah Winfrey has been seen handing out supplies to people affected by intense wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
At least 53 people have died after wildfires broke out on Tuesday morning as Hurricane Dora stirred up intense winds from hundreds of miles south in the Pacific Ocean.
Most of the historic tourist town of Lahaina on the island of Maui was razed to the ground, with around 2,000 people forced into emergency shelters and 18,000 homes left without power.
The US talk show host, 69, donated pillows, nappies and shampoo bottles to people sheltering at the War Memorial Stadium in Maui.
WATCH: Visibly lost for words, Maui resident @Oprah hands out supplies at an evacuation centre amid wildfires, telling @matzamax:
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) August 11, 2023
“It's overwhelming... but I’m really pleased to have so many people supporting... bringing what they can and doing what they can.”
“I came earlier… pic.twitter.com/G9Mu1QJUo4
She told the BBC: “It’s a little overwhelming, you know. But I’m really so pleased to have so many people bringing what they can and doing what they can.
“I came earlier to see what people needed and then went shopping. Because often, you make donations of clothes or whatever and it’s not really what people need. So I actually went to Walmart and Costco and got pillows, diapers, sheets, pillowcases.”
Maui mayor Richard Bissen described it as “a deeply sombre day” and warned that the death toll could increase.
The fires began on Tuesday, triggered by severe dry conditions and fanned by winds from Hurricane Dora as it moved across the Pacific further south. Three fires remained active on the island on Thursday – in Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry.
British musician Mick Fleetwood said he was “heartbroken” after his Fleetwood’s On Front Street restaurant in Lahaina was “lost” in the fire.
The 76-year-old star opened the venue in 2012 after buying a home in nearby Napili Bay. “This is a devastating moment for Maui, and many are suffering unimaginable loss,” he posted on social media. “Our main priority is the safety of our dear staff.”
