President Joe Biden landed in fire-devastated Maui on Monday to personally witness the aftermath of a massive blaze that occurred over a week ago.

His visit aims to directly observe the destruction and evaluate the government’s reaction, which some local residents felt was inadequate initially.

This journey led President Biden to the site of the most lethal wildfire in the United States in over a century.

His initial reaction to the Maui wildfires sparked disapproval earlier this month, particularly from Republican circles, CNN reports.

They highlighted a nearly five-day interval during which Biden remained silent about the fires after his initial comments, before addressing the tragedy once more in public.

“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.”

As per Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, approximately 850 individuals remain missing, and the confirmed death toll of at least 114 is projected to increase further.

Emergency responders and cadaver dogs continue combing through the charred landscape in pursuit of victims.

During his visit, President Biden designated a senior federal emergency official to supervise the extended efforts for recovery and reconstruction.

Written by staff