100% covered for 6 months
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President Joe Biden on Thursday announced the federal government would cover 100% of costs for the initial disaster response to the Los Angeles wildfires.
Meeting with federal officials at the White House, Biden said the funds would go toward debris removal, temporary shelters, salaries for first responders and more for 180 days.
Biden said he emphasized to California officials they should "spare no expense to do what they need to do."
He also had a message for residents impacted by the ravaging fires: "We are with you. We are not going anywhere. To the firefighters and first responders, you are heroes."
"The cost of the debris cleanup is gigantic, gigantic. The cost of replacing the housing is almost exponential," he continued. "Anybody can give you a number now, they have no idea what they're talking about. It's big, big, big."
He added, "I'm going to make an appeal right now to the United States Congress. They're going to have to step up when we ask for more help to get people the kind of – they need, to get the kind of help they need. Because it really does matter."
As Biden spoke, five fires were spreading around the Los Angeles area. Roughly 28,000 acres had been scorched and hundreds of thousands of people evacuated. At least five people died in the fires, and many more injured.
Has Hawaii recovered yet? North Carolina?
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Let's ask Grok:
What is the status of cleanup and rebuilding after the fires in Hawaii since the fires in August 2023?
The cleanup and rebuilding efforts following the devastating wildfires in Hawaii, particularly in Lahaina on Maui, have been ongoing but are facing various challenges:
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Cleanup Efforts: Significant progress has been made in clearing hazardous materials and debris. By late July 2024, nearly all of the 1,399 homes in Lahaina had been cleared, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers having completed debris removal on 98% of residential lots by that time. However, the process has been slower for commercial lots, with only 42% cleared. The cleanup involves a complex process due to the island's isolation, requiring materials to be shipped off the island for disposal.
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Rebuilding: The process of rebuilding has been notably slow due to a variety of reasons including logistical challenges, cultural considerations, and environmental concerns. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that 1,399 homes need rebuilding, but only a fraction of the necessary building permits had been approved by county officials. This slow pace of permit issuance has been a significant bottleneck in the rebuilding process. Additionally, the high cost of construction in Hawaii, particularly on Maui, has been a major factor in slowing the recovery.
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Housing and Economic Challenges: The fires exacerbated an already critical housing crisis on Maui, with many residents still in temporary housing like hotels. FEMA has been providing housing assistance, but the transition to long-term solutions remains challenging. The tourism-dependent economy has also seen impacts, with mixed sentiments about the return of tourists while the community grapples with recovery. Efforts are being made to balance economic recovery with providing housing for survivors.
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Community and Cultural Considerations: There's an emphasis on respecting the cultural and historical significance of Lahaina. This has influenced the cleanup and rebuilding strategies, aiming to preserve cultural heritage while also addressing modern rebuilding needs. Discussions around managed retreat and land use are also part of the recovery plan, considering future threats like rising sea levels.
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Public Sentiment: There's been frustration expressed through posts on X regarding the slow pace of rebuilding, with some residents feeling neglected or that the process is being deliberately slowed down, possibly to control land use or for other reasons. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the speed and direction of recovery efforts.
Overall, while there has been progress in cleanup, the rebuilding phase is facing significant hurdles, including regulatory processes, funding, and community planning to ensure a sustainable and culturally sensitive recovery.
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“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” ~Winston S. Churchill
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Back to my little red-headed girl at church...
The preacher directed that our next round of small group prayer be directed at praying for our nation, our state and our leaders. Leaders being political leaders, whether local, state or national.
Before, prayer, the group kicks around some thoughts and concerns on the directed subject. The red-headed teenage girl had a concern...
My daddy and mom voted for Trump. Why do people not like people who voted for Trump?
I thought it was a good question. I didn't have a simple answer for her.
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