Washington — President Trump and first girl Melania Trump landed in Central Texas on Friday to survey the devastation wrought by last week’s deadly flooding, as first responders and relations proceed their seek for the lacking.
The Trumps are talking with native officers and first responders in Kerrville, Texas, because the loss of life toll within the state stands at 121, in response to native legislation enforcement and Gov. Greg Abbott. The Trumps, together with Abbott, acquired an replace from native officers towards he backdrop of a Kerrville firetruck and a pile of felled bushes.
Greater than 170 individuals are still missing after flash floods consumed the area within the early morning of July 4. Drones, rescue groups and volunteers are combing by particles, hoping to seek out solutions for the households of the lacking. Nearly all of the confirmed deaths happened in Kerr County, the place the Trumps are visiting.
At Camp Mystic, a women’ summer time camp with cabins alongside the river in a rural a part of Kerr County close to Hunt, at least 27 campers and counselors died in what the camp described as “catastrophic flooding.” Some survivors stated they woke as much as water dashing by the home windows.
The president landed in San Antonio on Air Power One earlier than a brief helicopter experience introduced him and the primary girl to Kerrville.
The Trumps are anticipated survey the restoration efforts and take part in a roundtable with officers and rescue staff. Mr. Trump advised reporters they will meet among the households as effectively. The primary couple is scheduled to spend about three hours in Texas earlier than leaving for Bedminster, New Jersey.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
“It is a horrible factor, a horrible factor,” the president advised reporters Friday earlier than leaving the White Home. “No person may even consider it. That a lot water, that quick.”
Mr. Trump has up to now averted assigning blame for the deaths, saying on Sunday, “I might simply say this can be a hundred-year disaster, and it is simply so horrible to look at.”
The president stated he would have visited Central Texas sooner however did not wish to be “of their manner” as rescuers proceed their work. Mr. Trump has signed a catastrophe declaration for the area, permitting the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy its personal groups to help native rescue and restoration efforts as these operations press on.
After the catastrophic flooding, the primary girl wrote on X, “My coronary heart goes out to the mother and father in Texas throughout this troublesome time. I’m holding you in my ideas and sending prayers for energy, consolation, and resilience.”
