Biden tours wildfire-stricken Maui, says 'entire country is here for victims'

By Firdevs Bulut Kartal

TORONTO (AA) - US President Joe Biden visited the Hawaiian island of Maui on Monday with first lady Jill Biden, where he assured that the entire country is there to help the victims and survivors of the devasting wildfires that have decimated entire communities.

They participated in a community event with leaders, survivors, families and organizations.

"Jill and I are here to grieve with you but also want you to know the entire country is here for you," Biden said.

Noting they have surveyed the damage in the region, he promised that his administration will do "whatever it takes, as long as it takes.”

The president noted that he has seen the carnage that was caused by the fires and promised that they will "build back better."

Biden praised the sense of togetherness he saw in the community and thanked the community leaders.

Earlier this month, the island was ravaged by wildfires, with the historic town of Lahaina bearing the full force of the flames.

A total of 850 people were still missing as of Monday morning, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen.

In a video posted on Facebook, Bissen said that 114 people have been confirmed dead, with 27 of them identified and 11 families already notified.