President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, toured flood-damaged areas in Kerrville, Texas, where rising waters from the Guadalupe River claimed the lives of at least 120 people last week. During the visit, the couple met with local leaders and expressed their condolences to the grieving families. "We are filled with grief for those who have lost loved ones," Trump stated, highlighting the nation’s shared sorrow.
The floods have drawn over 12,300 volunteers, who are tirelessly searching for missing persons throughout Texas, dedicating 10 hours a day to the effort. “We won’t stop until everyone is found,” local officials claimed, as the search and rescue operations persist in the wake of this natural disaster.
Reflecting on the devastation witnessed firsthand, Trump stated, "I've never seen anything like it,” after inspecting the damage that left homes, roads, and vehicles submerged. The First Lady, typically more reserved in her public role, participated in comforting families, offering her "deepest sympathy" for the losses endured in the community. She promised to return and support them in their recovery journey.
As floodwaters rapidly rose by approximately 26 feet within 45 minutes, many families were caught off guard without a proper warning system. Questions about the adequacy of flood alerts and evacuation measures have emerged. Trump dismissed critiques of the response efforts, suggesting that it’s inappropriate to speculate on decisions made during an emergency. Experts have noted the complex factors contributing to the tragedy, including the late-night occurrence of the floods and the proximity of residential areas to the river.
With searches still underway, Texas officials continue to appeal for support and resources to assist those displaced by the floods and to ensure that everyone affected by this disaster is accounted for.
