FEMA sent out letters to first responders and relief workers in Maui demanding that they stop posting images and videos of the charred disaster area on social media citing “cultural sensitivity.”
“They are asking for a full stop in disaster imagery going forward,” the letter from Justin Angel Knighten of FEMA notes, referring to local officials.
“At this time, we have not been asked to take any photos or videos down. Our team on the ground is coordinating with the County for further guidance to ensure we remain fully aligned. Cultural sensitivity is of the utmost importance in all our response and recovery activities to this disaster,” the letter further states.
The source says they found this to be “weird” especially as this was sent when they were aware President Biden would be visiting the island. @FEMA has instructed them – at the order of local Maui Govt. to “pause on posting” to their socials or elsewhere.
Very interesting …
— Anthony Cabassa (@AnthonyCabassa_) August 21, 2023
The revelation has raised yet more questions over both the local and federal government’s responses.
Sirens were not sounded and water to fight fires was not dispatched upon request:
Andaya resigned citing health reasons. This comes one day after CBS News’ @JonVigliotti asked if he regretted not sounding the alarm system #maui #wildfire
— Norah O’Donnell 🇺🇸 (@NorahODonnell) August 18, 2023
Read More: FEMA Demanded Responders Stop Posting Images And Videos
