Biden’s DHS Chief highlights cultural sensitivity experts in Maui wildfires response.

Homeland Security ⁢Secretary Emphasizes Cultural Sensitivity in Response to Hawaii Wildfires

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro⁤ Mayorkas ⁢proudly announced that the‌ Biden administration is taking a ‍”culturally sensitive” approach to ‌addressing the ‍devastating‌ wildfires in Hawaii.

“We are collaborating⁢ with ⁤experts to ensure that we understand ‍and meet the unique needs of individuals on the island,” Mayorkas shared during ‌an interview with MSNBC. This statement came in response to⁢ criticism‌ regarding the administration’s perceived slow response to the disaster.‌ President Joe⁤ Biden is scheduled to visit the state on Monday,‌ nearly⁢ two weeks after the fire ‌first broke out. He plans to spend several hours surveying the destruction before returning to Nevada in the evening.

Deadliest Wildfire in Modern U.S.⁤ History

The wildfires in Maui have tragically claimed the lives of at least 114 people, ‌making it the deadliest wildfire in ‌modern U.S. history. ‌The death toll is‍ expected to rise as authorities continue to search the‌ island for‍ human remains. Currently,‌ there are nearly 1,000 ⁢people still reported missing.

Criticism Surrounding FEMA Head’s⁣ Response

Deanne Criswell, the head of FEMA under ⁤President Biden, is also facing backlash for providing⁣ vague​ answers ‍regarding the large⁢ number of missing individuals.

“There are various reasons why‌ people are unaccounted ‌for,” ⁤Criswell ⁤explained during an interview with CNN.

President Biden Faces Criticism for Lack of Engagement

President Biden himself has received significant criticism for seemingly ⁣dismissing questions about the wildfires. After initially addressing the disaster​ two weeks ago, Biden remained silent on the issue for four days.

“No, not⁢ now,” Biden responded to a reporter who inquired about his planned trip to Hawaii.