FEMA Chief Emphasizes Cultural Outreach in Fire-Hit Maui.
FEMA Administrator Calls for Culturally Responsive Assistance in Maui Fire Disaster
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, Deanne Criswell, expressed a strong desire for the government’s efforts to assist survivors of the devastating fire disaster in Maui to be “culturally responsive.” Criswell made this statement during a White House briefing, where she provided an update on the federal response and recovery efforts in Hawaii.
Highlighting the administration’s “whole-of-government approach” to helping survivors, Criswell emphasized the importance of ensuring that all appropriate information reaches those affected. “We also want to make sure we are getting all of the appropriate information out to survivors,” she stated.
FEMA ADMINISTRATOR CRISWELL: “We are working with our state and local partners to ensure that our outreach and our messaging is also culturally responsive.” pic.twitter.com/RyuU5K4S9g
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 14, 2023
Collaborating with state and local partners, FEMA aims to make their outreach and messaging culturally responsive. Criswell emphasized the importance of ensuring that people are aware of the available resources and support. “So we are working with our state and local partners to ensure that our outreach and our messaging is also culturally responsive and that we can get messages out to people so they know what is available to them,” she added.
The fire in Maui’s historic town of Lahaina has caused significant damage, with the death toll rising towards the 100 mark. The destruction of over 2,000 buildings has led officials to estimate that the rebuilding process will cost billions of dollars.
Among the many sites engulfed in the blaze were cultural landmarks, including the Waiola Church, where Hawaiian monarchs had been buried, the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, a historic Shin Buddhist temple, and the Lahaina Heritage Museum, as reported by ABC News.
Despite the devastation, there is hope. Senator Mazie Hirino (D-HI) shared that the iconic banyan tree on Front Street, although deeply damaged, is still standing. Speaking with the arborist working on the tree, she expressed optimism that it will bloom again, serving as a symbol of hope amid the destruction.
The iconic banyan tree on Front Street is deeply damaged, but still standing.
After speaking with the arborist working on the tree, I’m optimistic that it will bloom again – serving as a symbol of hope amid so much devastation. pic.twitter.com/skzgQ6uSPz
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) August 13, 2023
President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration to unlock federal resources for the recovery efforts in Maui. FEMA is actively working with state and local partners to provide aid to survivors. In a post on Monday, President Biden expressed his solidarity with the people of Hawaii, assuring them that every available resource will be utilized to support their recovery.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
