United States President Joe Biden has expressed his condolences to survivors of Hawaii’s devastating wildfires, assuring them that the nation stands with them and offering federal assistance for as long as necessary.
Biden arrived in Maui on Monday, 13 days after the wildfires swept through the western part of the island, resulting in the deadliest fire incident in over a century with a death toll of at least 114 people.
While standing near a 150-year-old banyan tree that miraculously survived the fire, the president acknowledged the overwhelming destruction but expressed his belief in Maui’s resilience.
“Today it’s burned, but it’s still standing,” Biden remarked about the tree. “The tree survived for a reason. I believe it’s a very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to overcome this crisis.”
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden witnessed the devastation caused by the flames firsthand, observing the charred homes, structures, cars, and trees left in the aftermath of the blaze.
Upon their arrival at Kahului Airport, the Bidens took a moment to console Hawaii Governor Josh Green and his wife Jaime Green, as well as members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation who had come to greet them. The president and first lady embraced each of their greeters before boarding Marine One for an aerial tour of the fire-ravaged areas.
Original from www.aljazeera.com