Biden avoids answering questions to provoke criticism, and the death toll from wildfires in Hawaii is feared to double. Officials | Governor | Biden
The deadliest wildfire in a century on Maui Island, Hawaii, USA has caused 99 deaths as of the 14th. Governor Josh Green predicts that more bodies of the victims will be found, and the final death toll may reach twice the current confirmed number.
President Joseph Biden went on vacation to Rihobos Beach in Delaware last weekend, during which he answered questions from reporters about the casualties caused by the wildfire on Maui Island without comment, sparking public criticism.
Biden returned to the capital Washington on the morning of the 14th. White House press secretary Karina Jean Pierre attempted to downplay the impact of Biden's vacation and remarks during a press conference on the same day, stating that the government's response to the disaster showed Biden's "deep concern" for the people of Maui.
Biden has declared a state of disaster emergency in Hawaii. Jean Pierre said that Biden has been in contact with officials such as Governor Green and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Denise Criswell, to follow up on the progress of the situation.
Kriswell has gone to Hawaii to assist in disaster relief. The Federal Emergency Management Agency dispatched 300 staff to the affected areas and transported supplies such as food, folding beds, and blankets. Kriswell said that this institution is beginning to provide emergency funds to residents who have lost their homes to pay for water, food, and medical expenses.
More than 3200 people have registered for federal aid, and this number is expected to continue to rise.
Maui Island is the second largest island in the Hawaiian Islands, with a population of over 100000. According to the Hawaii Emergency Management Department, the wildfire began on the 8th and quickly spread due to strong winds brought by the hurricane and environmental drought. Both Maui Island and the largest island in Hawaii, Bigeyland Island, have multiple wildfires burning.
The resort town of La Haina, which has a population of 12000 on Maui Island, has been almost burned to ashes by wildfires. Green estimates that the town of La Haina has suffered losses of $5.6 billion.
With the slow recovery of communication services, the number of people lost has decreased from over 2000 to approximately 1300. Jeff Hickman, the public affairs director of the Hawaii State Department of Defense, said on the 14th that search and rescue personnel are inspecting streets and vehicles one by one and are expected to enter the interior of the building soon.
Search and rescue personnel have inspected 25% of the affected areas in Lahaina town. The director of the Maui Police Department, John Peltier, said that the local government hopes to complete search and rescue operations in 85% to 90% of the affected areas by the end of this weekend.
According to the Associated Press, law enforcement agencies require personnel to enter disaster stricken areas with a police issued permit. However, there were too many applicants and the scene was in chaos. The permit processing was quickly suspended on the 14th. Kevin Eliasson, a resident of La Haina town, said that the queue of vehicles is at least 3 miles long.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Many local residents told reporters that they have not received any warning information, the alarm system has not responded, and the government departments have not responded effectively to the disaster.