Biden Declares Hawaii Wildfires a Major Disaster, Announces Federal Aid

In a major declaration, US President Joe Biden has officially deemed the ongoing wildfires in Hawaii a major disaster. This decision comes as the wildfires continue to ravage parts of the island, claiming the lives of at least 36 people. In light of the severity of the situation, Biden has ordered federal aid to supplement the efforts of the state and local authorities in their recovery operations.

The assistance provided by Biden includes various forms of aid to help those affected by the wildfires. This includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs designed to support individuals and business owners in their recovery efforts.

These initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden and provide much-needed relief to the impacted communities. In addition to these measures, federal funding will be made available to state and eligible local governments, as well as certain private non-profit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis.

This funding allocation will assist in crucial activities such as debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County. Furthermore, assistance for emergency protective measures will also be extended to Hawaii County.

To coordinate the federal recovery operations, Maona N Ngwira of FEMA has been appointed. This coordination is crucial in ensuring efficient and effective assistance reaches those in need. The federal government aims to work hand-in-hand with local authorities and organizations to support the affected areas and facilitate a swift recovery.

Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard has been actively involved in rescue efforts amidst the wildfires. The Coast Guard successfully rescued 17 survivors and assisted in the recovery of 40 others off the shore of Lahaina. These individuals had to flee the flames and smoke, ultimately seeking refuge in the water.

Tragically, initial reports indicated that around a hundred people found themselves in such a dire situation. The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to extremely low visibility, making it impossible for helicopters to access the water. However, boats managed to reach uninjured survivors, and the Coast Guard received support from several good Samaritans in the area.

Captain Aja Kirksey, commander of the Honolulu sector of the US Coast Guard, emphasized that the search-and-rescue response remains top priority. As the wildfires in Maui County and Hawaii County continue to devastate the region, the declaration of a major disaster and the subsequent federal aid announcement by President Biden offer hope and relief to those affected.

The combined efforts of federal, state, and local authorities, along with the heroic actions of the Coast Guard and compassionate individuals, aim to help the impacted communities recover and rebuild in the face of this disaster.