Washington DC : US President Joe Biden has officially labeled the ongoing Hawaii wildfires as a 'major disaster,' issuing a directive for federal aid to be provided in order to bolster state and local recovery endeavors within the regions impacted by the fires since August 8. By taking this step, Biden is enabling federal financial support to reach the affected individuals in Maui County.
According to a statement released by the White House, it was noted, 'Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.'
As reported by reliable news sources, the unfolding wildfires have tragically resulted in the loss of at least 36 lives within Maui County. The assistance package outlined by President Biden encompasses provisions such as grants for interim housing and property repairs, affordable loans aimed at covering uninsured property damages, and additional programs designed to facilitate the recovery process for both individuals and business owners grappling with the aftermath of this disaster. This information is in accordance with the statement provided by the White House.
In light of this development, federal financial assistance will be made accessible to state and eligible local governments, as well as select private non-profit organizations, operating on a shared-cost basis for tasks like debris removal and immediate protective measures in Maui County. Furthermore, there will be provision for emergency protective measures to support Hawaii County. To oversee and coordinate federal recovery operations within the affected areas, Maona N Ngwira of FEMA has been appointed, as stated by the White House.
As the wildfires relentlessly sweep across Maui since Tuesday, the US Coast Guard reported that they successfully rescued 17 survivors and offered aid in the recovery of an additional 40 individuals situated off the coast of Lahaina.
Captain Aja Kirksey, in command of the Honolulu sector of the US Coast Guard, explained the scenario, stating, 'On Tuesday night, as the Lahaina brush fire really rapidly spread west and engulfed the downtown Lahaina area, the Coast Guard began receiving reports of people who had to flee the flames and the smoke all the way down to the shoreline and ultimately into the water off of Lahaina.' She further revealed that the initial reports suggested around a hundred individuals were in the water. The survivors retrieved by the Coast Guard were transported to Coast Guard Station Maui, while 40 others were taken to a nearby location for further necessary actions, as per a credible source.
Captain Aja Kirksey highlighted the challenge faced by helicopters due to severely limited visibility, preventing water approaches. However, boats managed to reach unharmed survivors. Notably, the Coast Guard also benefited from support provided by various good Samaritans in the area. Captain Kirksey emphasized that the primary priority for the Coast Guard remains the search-and-rescue operation."