Biden and First Lady to visit Maui, meet wildfire survivors on Aug. 21.
President Biden and First Lady to Visit Maui to Survey Wildfire Devastation
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to visit the Hawaiian island of Maui on Aug. 21 to witness the aftermath of the deadliest wildfires in over a century. The fires, which tragically destroyed the historic resort town of Lahaina, have claimed the lives of at least 106 individuals.
During their visit, the president and first lady will meet with survivors, first responders, and federal, state, and local officials to discuss the recovery efforts. The devastating impact of the wildfires on the island will be seen firsthand, and the next steps in the recovery process will be addressed.
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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “In Maui, the president and first lady will be welcomed by state and local leaders to see firsthand the impacts of the wildfires and the devastating loss of life and land that has occurred on the island, as well as discuss the next steps in the recovery effort.”
President Biden is committed to providing the necessary support from the federal government to aid Hawaii in its recovery from this disaster. The trip was scheduled based on the advice of Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.
Amidst criticism of the president’s recent vacation in Delaware, given the ongoing crisis in Hawaii, President Biden addressed the situation and expressed his intention to visit the disaster area soon. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all necessary resources are available for the recovery efforts.
At an Aug. 16 press briefing, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell provided an update on the situation in Maui. She highlighted the ongoing search and rescue efforts, with hundreds of FEMA personnel and 40 canine search teams involved in the operation.
Mortuary specialists from the Department of Health and Human Services, along with additional specialists from the Department of Defense, will assist in identifying the deceased. The investigation into the cause of the wildfires will be conducted by state officials.
FEMA has already provided significant assistance, including shelter, meals, supplies, and over $2.3 million in financial aid to more than 1,000 registrants. Those in need can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
Despite these efforts, some have criticized the $700-per-household payments as insufficient compared to the aid provided to Ukraine. Additionally, there have been reports of delayed government response, but FEMA asserts that they began responding as soon as the fires started and will continue outreach efforts to ensure everyone receives assistance.
Administrator Criswell will join President Biden and the first lady on their trip to Maui next week, believing it will uplift the spirits of the affected community.
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