with more than 850 people still missing

President Biden arrived infire-ravaged Maui today to witness up close the devastation left by an inferno more than a week ago and assess for himself a government response that some residents initially found lacking.

The trip brought Biden to the scene of the deadliest American wildfire in more than 100 years. His initial response to the Maui wildfires drew criticism earlier this month, mainly from Republicans, who seized upon a nearly five-day period of silence between Biden’s first comments about the fires to when he next publicly addressed the tragedy.

“For as long as it takes we’re going to be with you, the whole country will be with you,” Biden pledged Monday, saying the federal government would help officials “rebuild the way the people of Maui want to rebuild.

”With about 850 people still unaccounted for, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, the death toll of at least 114 is still expected to rise, as emergency responders and cadaver dogs search through the incinerated wasteland for victims. Biden named a senior federal emergency official to oversee long-term recovery efforts during his visit.

Last edited by Spunky (8/21/2023 6:26 pm)