Amid immense criticism, President Joe Biden and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre touted the federal response to the devastating Maui wildfires, where more than 100 people are now dead and an increasing death toll is expected.
Sara Sidner of CNN, however, took issue with Jean-Pierre’s advice to victims for getting assistance. “ Karing I do want to ask you about that because FEMA was on the ground, they have been criticized in past disasters for not getting there quickly enough,” Sidner said.
Jean-Pierre had urged victims to use FEMA’s website and phone line to get help, despite the limited access many are facing due to the lack of power and spotty cell service.
“Our job and FEMA, the administrator has spoken to this, and unfortunately she and her team have had to deal with many disasters over the past two years, as we’re dealing with extreme weather. They are on the ground, they are doing everything that they can,” Jean-Pierre responded.
Despite Jean-Pierre’s assertions, problems persist and there are still many Maui natives who are unable to register for help online or via phone. The fact that Biden was spotted riding his bicycle and telling reporters he was “looking at” making a trip to Maui also hasn’t sat well with some.
“ More than 100 people are dead following the wildfires, with searches ongoing throughout the Lahaina region of Maui for survivors,” Sidner reported. “It’s hard to imagine that help would arrive for any individual displaced by the fires until well after Biden returns home, if at all.”
Although Jean-Pierre said the federal government was ‘here to help,’ many have refused to take her at her word. Despite the announcement on Wednesday that Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Maui on Monday to meet with first responders, survivors and other authorities, the burden of assistance still falls on the shoulders of those impacted by the tragedy.
As Sidner asked, “ What can FEMA do better to help alleviate some of these issues for people who are saying we are not getting the help we need?” Until we hear of tangible and immediate solutions, many will see this response as yet another example of inadequate government aid in times of crisis.