US President Joe Biden on Thursday declared a state of natural disaster for Hawaii, where lightning fires destroyed a town on the island of Maui and killed at least 36 people, which will free up significant federal aid to the archipelago.
• Also read: Hawaii fires: At least 36 dead and thousands evacuated
• Also read: IN PICTURES | City of Lahaina, Hawaii decimated by wildfires
• Also read: Fires in Hawaii: Your trip fails at the last minute
“The President’s action will make federal funds available to those affected in Maui County,” the White House said in a statement.
In particular, this aid can be used to finance emergency relief and reconstruction measures on the island, where the tourist town of Lahaina, the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, was almost razed to the ground.
- Hear the testimony of Carolanne Boileau, a traveler who was scheduled to leave for Hawaii on July 17th QUB radio :
More details to come…