american president, Joe Bidenannounced this Thursday disaster in Hawaii because of the forest fires that hit the island of Maui in the first place, where, according to official figures, “general devastation.”

That’s how I assured CNN Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Dina Criswell, who stated that she is being assessed “massive destruction in many areas Maui is different,” and most of the fires are still out of control.

In fact, he explained, the agency’s presence in the area is still small, with “limited” ability to detect people. After the first official count there are 36 deaths while thousands of people are being evacuated from the island.

Maui Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke acknowledged that they are “very worried” about a possible rebound a significant number of victims, as many areas of the island remain without communication with the outside world.

“We have received calls all over the country from people who are looking for their relatives whom they cannot contact,” he admitted in an interview. CNN.

President Biden decided this Thursday to declare a state of emergency in Hawaii, and ordered federal aid to complement state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the wildfires that started on 8 August.

In addition, Biden ordered members of the US National Guard and the US Third Fleet in Hawaii do our best to help the local authorities.

“We are working as quickly as possible to put out these fires and evacuate residents and touriststhe president said during a speech in Utah.

This Thursday, Biden also spoke on the phone with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and expressed deep condolences for lost lives and extensive destruction of land and property.

Meanwhile, thousands of citizens, many of whom are tourists, they are trying to escape the islandThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this Thursday decided to limit the airspace in the area of ​​the city of Lahaina, devastated by fire, as well as in the areas of Kihei and Kula, to facilitate rescue efforts.

On Wednesday, the Coast Guard rescued 14 people after dozens escaped the fire. jump into the sea.

The authorities are asking residents and guests of the area leave it “as soon as possible” due to “limited” resources to deal with this crisis, Maui County said in a statement.

Although several Hawaiian Islands were affected, Maui suffered the most. where 11,000 people were evacuated on Wednesday. CNNwhile at least 1,500 more people are expected to leave the island this Thursday.

airlines they offer cheap tickets facilitate the departure and organization of new flights from Maui.

The images show completely destroyed areas, especially in cities such as Lahaina, Historic City of West Maui and one of the most touristic areas of the island.

you might be interested > The fires in Hawaii have killed 36 people.

“Practically the entire city burned down, the entire historic district, houses and businesses,” he said. CNN Air Maui Helicopters COO Richie Olsten.

Olsten explained that there are hundreds of people in shelters like Memorial Stadium, but many have “nowhere to go” because Shelters have not yet been established.

The Maui County Emergency Management Agency Twitter account is constantly updating information about shelters opening or opening. places to find drinking water.

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The severe drought that has hit the islands in recent months and strong winds from Hurricane Dora, authorities said caused the flames to spread at a much higher speed.

Gen. Kenneth Hara, deputy head of the National Guard in Hawaii, also explained that the force of the wind made the work of extinction difficult. (EFE)