President Trump has increased federal funds for cleanup operation on second visit to hurricane-hit Houston
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President Donald Trump declared Sunday a national prayer day while he visited Houston, where he interacted with displaced people and helped with relief efforts. He also authorized a increase in the level of federal funding to 90 percent from 75 percent for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
The president and first lady Melania Trump will meet communities in Texas and Louisiana as they grapple with the fallout from thousands of flooded homes and at least 45 deaths.
“I think most importantly, the governor, the relationship with the governor, the mayor, it’s been fantastic, and with the federal government. And we’re signing a lot of documents now to get money into here. 7.9 billion dollars. We signed it, and hopefully it’ll be a quick process,” said Trump.
Rescuers are faced with critical situations on all fronts. Beyond the flooding the logistics of ferrying in vital supplies is a mammoth task, fires are breaking out, and with many people staying put despite the dangers many lives remain to be saved even if most people have made it to shelters.
One such fire in Houston is in a building surrounded by Harvey’s floodwaters on the city’s west side, making access difficult. Firefighters are being hampered by burglar bars on windows around the building, which appears to be a multi-family dwelling.