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UPDATED: August 20, 9:02 AM EST:

President Barack Obama is slated to visit Louisiana Tuesday after floods that “have killed at least 13 people and displaced tens of thousands, the White House said Friday,”  according to NBC News.

The move comes after the president was roundly criticized for continuing his vacation on Martha’s Vineyard during what has beeb called the worst disaster since Hurricane Katrina. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his vice presidential Mike Pence visited the damage on Friday, reports NBC:

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Federal Emergency Management Administrator Craig Fugate have visited Louisiana and the White House said Obama has been in communication about the situation there.

[…]

“The President is mindful of the impact that his travel has on first responders and wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts,” the White House said.

“He 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 as they rebuild their community and come back stronger than ever,” the White House said.

SOURCE: NBC News | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty


Obama Urged To End Vacation Early To Visit Louisiana Flood Damage

Baton Rouge publication The Advocate issued a scathing editorial demanding that President Obama end his summer family vacation and visit the flood-ravaged state where thousands are displaced.

In the article titled, “Our Views: Vacation or not, a hurting Louisiana needs you now, President Obama,” the paper writes,“Last week, as torrential rains brought death, destruction and misery to Louisiana, the president continued his vacation at Martha’s Vineyard, a playground for the posh and well-connected.”

Editorial staff mentions the 2005 devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the iconic image of President George W. Bush flying over the damage, which became a memorable symbol of neglect. The Advocate says that President Obama, a senator at the time, was one of Bush’s many critics.

They also point out that since President Obama interrupted his vacation earlier in the week to attend a fundraiser for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, he should do the same for Louisiana’s devastation.

According to USA Today, neither Clinton nor Donald Trump have yet to weigh in on the floods, aside from a tweet Clinton sent out earlier in the week.

On Sunday, Obama declared Louisiana a disaster zone and ordered the disbursement of federal aid. The Red Cross is calling the flooding the worst U.S. disaster since 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, and estimating damage at about $30 million.

Do you think the POTUS should end his vacation early? Sound off in comments.

SOURCE: The AdvocateUSA Today | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
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