President Barack Obama says the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with state and local agencies in response to a tornado that ripped through the southwest Missouri community of Joplin. He’ll get a first-hand look at the devastation Sunday.
President Barack Obama talks on the phone with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, during his visit to Dublin, Ireland, May 23, 2011. The President extended his condolences to all impacted by the deadly tornadoes in Joplin, Mo., Sunday night. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Obama issued a statement Sunday night sending condolences to families of those who died in storms in Joplin and across the Midwest. He commended the “heroic” efforts of those who are responding to the disaster.
The president says the federal government is prepared to provide help as needed. He’ll be joined by Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Craig Fugate in Joplin. He says he wants Missourians to know that the federal government will use all the resources at its disposal to help them recover and rebuild.
Obama has called Governor Nixon from London today to get an update on the destruction. He’s wrapping up his visit to Europe…but says he’s thinking of what has happened in a couple of places here at home.
AUDIO: President Obama addresses tragedies in Missouri, Minnesota, from the U.K. (1:45 min.)
AUDIO: Obama talks about upcoming visit to Missouri
AUDIO: Obama says the federal govt. is in for the long haul
AUDIO: Obama says all federal resources are being made available
AUDIO: Obama tells Joplin victims we’ll be there until they’re back on their feet