Biden to visit wildfire-hit Hawaii: Pledges full federal support amid rising casualties

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to journey to Hawaii on August 21 in response to the devastating wildfires that have consumed the region for over a week. The catastrophe has so far claimed the lives of at least 106 individuals and obliterated much of Lahaina’s historic town. The White House confirmed that the President would engage with first responders, survivors, and local officials to gauge the severity of the damage and strategize the next steps.

In a recent statement, the White House highlighted Biden’s unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaii, ensuring that the federal government would provide all necessary aid in their recovery endeavors. The President had earlier hinted at his impending visit during an event in Wisconsin, emphasizing his intention to evaluate the situation firsthand without impeding ongoing relief efforts.

State governor Josh Green has cautioned that the death toll might escalate significantly. During a previous media interaction, Biden elucidated his delayed visit to the wildfire-affected area, stressing his reluctance to detract from vital relief operations. The Maui Emergency Management Agency pegged the disaster’s financial setback at a staggering $5.52 billion.

The enormity of the disaster, coupled with perceived sluggish recovery initiatives, has left numerous Hawaii inhabitants disgruntled. Reports from BBC highlighted the inadequacy of the financial aid, with one local lamenting the meager assistance that paled in comparison to the island’s nightly hotel rates.