Donald Trump visits flood ravaged Louisiana, Barack Obama to follow next week

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, right, help to unload supplies for flood victims 
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, right, help to unload supplies for flood victims  Credit: Max Becherer/AP

US President Barack Obama will visit flood-hit Louisiana next week, the White House said on Friday, after he came under fire for not suspending his summer holiday to survey the damage in the southern state.

The announcement of Obama's visit to Baton Rouge on August 23 came after a visit to the state earlier Friday by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate Mike Pence.

The floods have left at least 13 people dead and affected about 40,000 homes.

"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, noting the visit was coordinated with local officials.

"He is also eager to get a first-hand look at the impact of the devastating floods... 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."

On Friday, Obama spoke to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson - who visited Louisiana on Thursday - from his rented holiday  home in Martha's Vineyard to get an update on the situation. 

During his visit, Mr Trump was reported to have criticised the president for carrying on with his holiday. 

"The president says he doesn't want to come, he is trying to get out of a golf game," Mr Trump said, according to ABC News. 

Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeffrey Wiley, who said he was in the official briefing Trump attended, told CNN that the candidate's visit helped bring much-needed national attention to the disaster.

"I will tell you he was very gracious and a good listener," Mr Wiley said. 

License this content