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U.S. President Donald Trump assured residents of Kerrville, Texas, that the federal government would provide assistance for recovery efforts following devastating floods that struck the central region of the state last week, resulting in 120 fatalities.
Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the President met with local officials on Friday, surveying the extensive damage firsthand, including standing before an overturned tractor trailer.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” President Trump remarked after touring the areas ravaged by the floods.
Over 12,300 volunteers have mobilized to aid in the search for the 161 individuals still missing across the state, with officials reporting that volunteers have been working 10-hour shifts daily.
While the severe weather caused widespread damage and loss of life throughout central Texas, Kerr County bore the brunt of the floodwaters, prompting the President and First Lady to focus their visit on this region.
During a roundtable discussion at a Kerrville youth center, President Trump conveyed to local officials that he and the First Lady were present to “express the love and support, and the anguish of our entire nation.”
First Lady Melania Trump, often maintaining a lower public profile, also toured the impacted areas, stating that she offered comfort and prayers to families who had lost loved ones.
“My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls,” she expressed. “We are grieving with you. Our nation is grieving with you.”
The First Lady also pledged to return to the community.
Among the casualties were 27 young girls attending Camp Mystic, situated along the river that experienced catastrophic flooding. The area is home to 18 summer camps in total.
Following the tragic event, questions have arisen concerning the adequacy of warning systems and the reasons why certain areas were not evacuated prior to the deluge.
“Only an evil person would ask a question like that,” President Trump responded when the issue was raised on Friday, adding that it is easy to speculate in hindsight.
The rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, which inundated homes, roads, and vehicles, caught many residents off guard.
The disaster unfolded before dawn last Friday, with the river surging 26 feet (8 meters) in a mere 45 minutes. Young children and staff at summer camps along the river were asleep as weather alerts were activated.
Search and rescue teams are diligently working to sift through debris in search of the remaining missing individuals. Authorities have affirmed their commitment to continue the search until everyone is accounted for.
Experts have identified several contributing factors to the devastating floods, including the early morning timing, the location of some residences, and the extreme weather conditions.
Concerns have been voiced that budget cuts to federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its subsidiary, the National Weather Service (NWS), may have impacted the response to the sudden floods.
While experts acknowledge that NWS alerts were timely in Texas last weekend, they express apprehension about future weather events if these agencies are not adequately staffed and funded.
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