Summary:
- President Biden and the First Lady are visiting Maui to assess the aftermath of a historic wildfire.
- The president aims to offer hope and reassurance to the affected community while promising federal resources for recovery.
- The death toll has reached 114, with a significant number of people still missing.
- Rain from tropical storm Fernanda poses a new threat, potentially leading to mudslides.
- International assistance from countries like Spain and the U.K. is being offered.
Today, President Biden and the First Lady are traveling to Maui to get a first-hand look at the devastation and the loss caused by the deadliest wildfire in a century. He's really going to be able to bring hope to this community and reassure them that the federal government is there, that he has directed the resources they need to aid in their recovery and rebuilding process.
The president's visit comes amid a grim recovery effort. The death toll now stands at 114 with more than a thousand people still missing. Workers have scoured 85 percent of the disaster area, but Hawaii's governor estimates that searching the remaining 15 percent could take weeks. The situation on the ground remains precarious. Officials are concerned that rain from tropical storm Fernanda could trigger dangerous mudslides in various parts of the island.