Washington — President Trump and first woman Melania Trump landed in Central Texas on Friday to survey the devastation wrought by last week’s deadly flooding, as first responders and members of the family proceed their seek for the lacking.
The Trumps will communicate with native officers and first responders in Kerrville, Texas, because the loss of life toll stands at 121, in keeping with native legislation enforcement and Gov. Greg Abbott. 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 means of particles, hoping to seek out solutions for the households of the lacking. The vast majority of the confirmed deaths befell in Kerr County, the place the Trumps are visiting.
At Camp Mystic, a ladies’ summer season 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 mentioned they woke as much as water speeding by means of the home windows.
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 a few of 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 one may even consider it. That a lot water, that quick.”
Mr. Trump has to this point prevented assigning blame for the deaths, saying on Sunday, “I’d simply say this can be a hundred-year disaster, and it is simply so horrible to look at.”
The president mentioned he would have visited Central Texas sooner however did not wish to be “of their method” 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 woman wrote on X, “My coronary heart goes out to the mother and father in Texas throughout this tough time. I’m holding you in my ideas and sending prayers for power, consolation, and resilience.”
