Trump claims he has 'never seen anything like' Texas flood as he visits affected area days after disaster

KERRVILLE, TEXAS: President Donald Trump was shocked to see the devastation caused by the flash floods last week in Texas and stated that he has "never seen anything like this".

The POTUS visited Kerrville on Friday, July 11, and showered praise on the recovery efforts in Central Texas. He also pledged the federal government's full support during his visit.

Trump shocked by devastation caused by flash floods in Texas

During his visit, the president said his administration is doing "everything in its power to help Texas" after last weekend's floods killed at least 120 people so far.

He said, "This is a tough one. It’s hard to believe the devastation. Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I've never seen anything like this, and I've seen a lot of bad ones."

Moreover, the POTUS added that he met with parents who lost children in the flood.

"Nobody has any idea how and why a thing like this could happen," Trump said while remembering the "young angels" who died while staying at the girls' Christian camp, Camp Mystic.

Trump added that the federal government has deployed more than 400 first responders and enabled 1,500 rescues during the flood.

He said, "The people here — first responders, the sheriff's office, all of the police, law enforcement, they've done an unbelievable job."

Meanwhile, Trump and first lady Melania surveyed damage near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville that included an overturned tractor, several downed trees, and plastic debris.

The president also received a briefing from Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and local officials.

The POTUS said, "All across the country, Americans' hearts are shattered. All the beautiful souls. We're filled with grief and devastation at the loss of life. And unfortunately, they're still looking. There's a lot of missing children."

Texas flood rescue teams continue to search for missing people

The search for more than 170 people, who are still missing after flash floods devastated Central Texas, stretched into an eighth day on Friday.

Around 120 people have been confirmed dead, according to local law enforcement and Governor Abbott. 

Meanwhile, ongoing search operations are underway to find anyone lost in the debris after the catastrophic flash floods, which caused the Guadalupe River to swell rapidly.

Officials suggest that there are 161 people known to be missing in Kerr County alone.

The county, located in the flood-prone Texas Hill Country west of Austin, bore the brunt of the devastating flash floods.

Moreover, Trump signed a federal disaster declaration at Abbott's request, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy its teams to support local rescue and recovery efforts.

Officials added that more storms after the initial flooding made efforts especially challenging.