MAUI, HAWAII: At least 53 people have died and much of the historic town of Lahaina has been burned to the ground in devastating Maui wildfires, which is considered to be the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii history.
The fast-moving fires erupted overnight on Tuesday, August 8, on three of Hawaii’s islands, destroying more than 1,700 buildings and leaving thousands of residents homeless.
However, while one side of the Internet mourns the loss of lives, several others have slammed President Joe Biden for the lack of government support.
Maui County officials previously confirmed that more than 14,000 residents and tourists were already evacuated from the Island as of Wednesday. However, there are still multiple road closures on Maui and the island of Hawaii.
How did the Maui wildfires start?
The cause of the unprecedented wildfires is still unknown but experts are claiming that they were fanned by a combination of low humidity and strong mountain winds, brought by Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm.
Pictures and videos taken on Maui demonstrate the devastation the flames have wrought, with certain areas, including the famed town of Lahaina, nearly burned to ashes.
Authorities have restricted access to the western part of the island to only evacuees and emergency personnel as firefighters continue to combat three major fires. The state has opened five evacuation shelters as a part of desperate search and recovery efforts.
“We will continue to see the loss of life,” Gov Josh Green (D) said at a news conference, adding that reconstruction of the state might take years. “It will take time to know the full extent, but it will be in the billions of dollars, without a doubt,” he continued.
'Where is government?'
However, amid these scenes of devastating destruction, many social media users slammed Biden, asking where is the government’s aid to support the island. “Where is Joe? Where is government?” one user fumed.
“I think Joe is on his 388th day of vacation,” a second user said sarcastically while the third wrote, “He doesn't care until next year.” “Man, if the people vote blue after this crap, there is no saving them,” another user fumed.
“Government doesn’t care this is what they want to control you” one more user asserted. However, there were also some users who pointed out Biden’s approval of a major disaster declaration for Hawaii.
Joe Biden ordered federal aid for Maui
“He already sent aid with more on the way. That's where Joe is,” a user said, while another person wrote, “This is so much better than throwing paper towels and accusations! Grateful to have a competent President!”
On Thursday, the President ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires. He also stated that he had an extensive phone call with Gov Green, where he assured him of his commitment to ensuring the state receives “everything it needs from the federal government,” according to Politico.
“Anyone who’s lost a loved one, whose home has been damaged or destroyed is going to get help immediately,” Biden said, adding, “We’re working as quickly as possible to fight these fires and evacuate residents and tourists. In the meantime, our prayers are with the people of Hawaii. But not just our prayers: Every asset we have will be available to them.”