Hawaiian Governor Josh Green hugs Joe Biden as he visits the wildfire-ravaged Lahaina area. Photo: AFP
President Joe Biden on Monday told survivors of the Hawaii wildfires that the nation «mourns with you» and pledged that the federal government will help Maui «for as long as it takes» to recover from the damage caused by the deadliest wildfire in the US for more than a century.
Biden arrived in Maui 13 days after a fire devastated the western part of the island, killing at least 115 people. Standing beside a badly burned 150-year-old banyan tree, the president acknowledged the «overwhelming» destruction but said Maui would weather the tragedy.
“Today it is burned down, but it still stands,” Biden said. said about the tree. “The tree survived for some reason. I believe this is a very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to overcome this crisis.”
Mr. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden saw the devastation close-up, block after block of hollowed-out houses and other buildings, charred cars, scorched trees and piles of rubble as his motorcade passed through Lahaina. Most of the time they spent in the historic city of 13,000 people, which was almost destroyed by fire.
The Bidens briefly lingered on the runway after arriving at Kahului Airport to comfort Hawaii Governor Josh Green, his wife Jamie Green, and members of the Hawaii Congressional delegation who greeted them. The President and First Lady hugged each greeter before boarding a Marine One helicopter to inspect the damage from the air.
Joe Biden aboard Marine One inspects the fire-ravaged city of Lahaina on the island of Maui. Photo: KEVIN LAMARK/Reuters
The Bidens also met with first responders and community members and were briefed by state and local authorities on the ongoing response. They also participated in the blessing of his visit by the elders of the island. They interrupted a week-long vacation in the Lake Tahoe area to visit Lahaina.
Earlier Monday, the White House announced that Biden had named Bob Fenton, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's regional chief, the chief federal wildfire response coordinator for Maui, overseeing the long-term recovery. It will take years to rebuild Lahaina, where almost all the buildings were destroyed.
Biden greets rescuers in the blazing city of Lahaina Photo: Reuters Photo: KEVIN LAMARK/Reuters
«We're going to rebuild the way the people of Maui want to rebuild,» Biden said, adding that his administration will focus on respecting sacred lands, cultures and traditions.
Dozens of people gathered on the streets of Lahaina to watch, as Biden's motorcade passes through a populated area. Some enthusiastically greeted the president, but others seemed to be waving their middle fingers in the direction of the motorcade. Other islanders held signs urging Biden to «listen to the people of Lahaina» and send more help.
Mr. Biden speaks with community members at the Lahaina Civic Center. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP Photo: KEVIN LAMARK/REUTERS
During a public event at the Lahaina Civic Center, Mr. Biden praised the «remarkable resilience» he said he had seen in his few hours in the community.< /p>
The President also said: as he often does when addressing communities affected by tragedy, understanding the personal weight of the devastating loss and the slow and painful process of recovery. Biden's first wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, died in a car accident in 1972. In 2015, he lost his adult son Beau to brain cancer.
“When things look darkest, that’s when we need faith,” said Mr. Biden, who spent 70 minutes following his speech, speaking with members of the community.
Mayor Richard Bissen earlier on Monday put the number of missing people at 850.< /p>
More than 1,000 federal officials remain on the ground to respond to emergency cases, according to the White House. forest fires.
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