US President Donald Trump visited Kerrville, Texas, on Friday to offer support after catastrophic floods led to the deaths of 120 people in the central region. During his visit, Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, engaged with local officials while surveying the extensive damage caused by the rising Guadalupe River, which swelled dramatically within a short period. "This devastation is unlike anything I have ever witnessed," Trump remarked after witnessing the wreckage, which included overturned vehicles and destroyed homes.
In a show of solidarity, over 12,300 volunteers have actively joined the search for 161 individuals still unaccounted for, dedicating up to ten hours each day to the effort. At a roundtable meeting, Trump conveyed the nation’s concerns, emphasizing that he and his wife were there to offer "love and support" to those affected by the tragedy. Melania Trump stepped out of her usual low-profile role, openly expressing her sorrow during the visit. "My deepest sympathies to the families mourning the loss of young lives," she said, emphasizing that the nation shares in their grief and promising to return.
In light of the flood disaster, many have questioned whether timely warnings were effectively communicated to residents, particularly as the floods struck during the night while people were asleep. Responding to inquiries regarding the preparedness of the emergency response, Trump expressed frustration at those critiquing the situation, asserting that such questions were inappropriate. Audio recordings revealed that Texans did not receive timely flood alerts, although officials were scrambling to account for the unusual circumstances of the flood, which included unexpected weather conditions.
As officials continue the relentless search for those missing, experts point to a combination of factors, including the timing of the flood and the location of particular homes, as primary contributors to the disaster. The focus now lies on recovery and ensuring that communities can make a comeback from this harrowing event.
