Maui emergency management chief resigns, citing health reasons

STORY: Maui emergency management chief resigns, citing health reasons DATELINE: Aug. 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:40 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Herman Andaya speaking to the press in Maui STORYLINE: Herman Andaya, the administrator of Maui Emergency Management Agency, resigned Thursday, citing health reasons, according to the official Facebook page of Maui County. The county's Mayor Richard Bissen accepted the resignation. "Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible and I look forward to making that announcement soon," Bissen said. The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii reached 110 on Wednesday. In Maui, it's not difficult to spot one of the 80 green siren towers used to alert residents in times of danger, which are tested monthly. However, the robust emergency siren warning system simply sat silent during the deadly wildfires. Xinhua News Agency corresp

At least 6 killed by devastating wildfires in U.S. Hawaii

STORY: At least 6 killed by devastating wildfires in U.S. Hawaii DATELINE: Aug. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:51 LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S. CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. various of press briefing STORYLINE: At least six people were killed by devastating hurricane-driven wildfires in Hawaii's Maui Island, authorities said on Wednesday. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said that six people have been confirmed dead as a result of the wildfires and search efforts are ongoing. More than 2,100 people stayed at four shelters in Maui overnight, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The agency said firefighters were able to deploy helicopters Wednesday morning to assist ground forces with fire containment. Local news outlet Hawaii News Now reported that the wildfires are active and out of control, which means a full picture of the devastation hasn't yet come into view. At least 20 people sustained serious injuries, thousands of people have been displaced, and the county's emergency response i