U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have arrived in Hawaii, expressing their commitment to aiding in the reconstruction efforts following the destructive wildfires in Maui, DW reports.
During their visit, President Biden toured the charred town of Lahaina, pledging the support of the U.S. government to the Maui community for as long as necessary. He emphasized the importance of collective rebuilding for the long term. The president also visited a resilient 150-year-old Banyan tree that endured the fires, viewing it as a symbol of resilience in the face of crisis.
"The tree survived for a reason. I believe it's a very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to get through this crisis," - said the president.
This trip follows criticism of the administration's perceived sluggish response to the disaster. Biden momentarily paused his vacation at Lake Tahoe to personally visit the wildfire-affected areas, indicating the gravity of the situation.
The recent wildfires on the Hawaiian island have resulted in a tragic loss, with over 100 fatalities and approximately 850 individuals unaccounted for. White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton acknowledged the emotional impact of the visit, anticipating a day filled with poignant moments.
In an online post, Biden acknowledged the arduous journey of recovery, reaffirming the U.S. government's unwavering support for Hawaii during this challenging phase. However, criticism has emerged from some quarters on Maui, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of recovering lost loved ones and identifying victims. It is noted that more than 1,000 federal personnel, including 450 search and rescue specialists, are actively involved in the response efforts.
This recovery will be long and challenging.
— President Biden Archived (@POTUS46Archive) August 21, 2023
But we’ll continue to be on the ground, providing support to the people of Hawai’i for as long as it takes. pic.twitter.com/mPJK8P0Sh5
Governor Josh Green indicated that search teams have managed to cover 85% of the search zone, with the remaining 15% anticipated to take additional weeks to complete. Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), defended the government's response, acknowledging the complexity of the victim identification process. The involvement of experts from the FBI, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services is aimed at expediting this process.
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