WASHINGTON(Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama will see if there is more the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can do to address the flood crisis in Louisiana, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a pool report on Tuesday.
Obama went to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday to tour the flooded areas, a visit Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump characterized in a Twitter post as too little, too late.
"Earnest said… He'll [Obama] also discuss with state and local officials on the ground if there's more FEMA can and should do," the report stated.
Obama will also thank first responders for logging long hours in the recovery effort, the report noted, which is being supported by $120 million in US federal assistance.
The report added that the president also believes now is the time to put politics aside to focus on responsibilities related to the flood crisis.
A federal disaster has been declared in 20 parishes within Louisiana due to extreme flooding which started on August 12 during severe storms.