July 11 (UPI) — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Friday toured areas devastated by flash flooding in central Texas that has killed more than 100, including at least 36 children, on the Fourth of July.
The president and first lady arrived in Kerr County, Texas, shortly after 12:20 p.m. CDT to meet with people and families in Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet and killed at least 121, including several children who had been staying at a Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic.
“This is a tough one,” Trump said during a roundtable discussion in Kerrville, Texas. “We were just making a little tour of the area. It’s hard to believe the devastation.”
He called the Guadalupe a “little narrow river that becomes a monster” when torrential rains pummeled the area during the early morning hours on Independence Day.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “We just gave our warmest condolences, but how do you give condolences?”
The president praised the first responders and community members who risked their lives to save others during the tragedy.
The first lady also met with victims’ families and offered her “deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls.”
“We are grieving with you,” Melania Trump said. “Our nation is grieving with you.”
The president and first lady were joined by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Republican U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, both of Texas, during Friday’s visit.
Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Texas earlier this week. He told NBC’s Meet the Press on Thursday that the flood was a “once-in-every-200-year” event and said he supported the installation of a dedicated alarm system to warn of future floods.
“After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine you’d put alarms up in some form,” he said.
According to Abbott, search and rescue operations still continue with some sources saying more than 170 people are still missing, including many children.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday that “We remain laser focused in our work with Governor Abbott and local Texas leaders to support those impacted by the tragic flooding.”