US: Obama to visit Louisiana as floodwaters recede

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama will visit Louisiana early next week after floods claimed the lives of at least 13 people, the White House announced Friday.

His visit Tuesday to Baton Rouge follows torrential rains that forced rivers to overrun their banks devastating southeastern Louisiana, and forced residents to flee their homes.

The state’s historic flooding has been called the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy devastated the northeastern seaboard in 2012.

“Thousands of people in Louisiana have lost everything they own and need our help now,” said Brad Kieserman, the Red Cross’ vice president for disaster services operations and logistics.

“We anticipate it will cost at least $30 million, a number which may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation,” he added.

The White House said Obama is “mindful” of the impact that his visit will have for “first responders and wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts.”

Obama “is also eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods, hear from more officials about the response, including how the federal government can assist and tell the people of Louisiana that the American people will be with them,” spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson visited Louisiana yesterday and met with state and local officials to review the flood response, according to the White House. He briefed Obama this morning.

Republican nominee Donald Trump earlier Friday criticized Obama for not interrupting his vacation to visit the devastated state. “Somebody is” playing golf “that shouldn’t be,” Trump said.

Obama has been vacationing this week in upscale Martha's Vineyard, and has played several rounds of golf with celebrities, including Seinfeld co-creator Larry David and NBA great Alonzo Mourning.