Trump blasted after he tweeted: Use flying water tankers and act quickly!

DONALD Trump was criticised last night for suggesting ‘flying water tankers’ could have been used to put out the inferno.

The US President tweeted: ‘So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!’

Fire experts said the President’s suggestion could worsen the situation – and endanger civilians. Wayne McPartland, who is retired from the New York City Fire Department, told CNBC: ‘If you hit that with tons of water from above, that’s going to collapse the entire structure and make the situation worse. If you miss, you might hit civilians.’

Social media users were also quick to take issue with Mr Trump’s comments, with some highlighting his previous threats to cut off emergency aid to California for wildfires.

Meanwhile, US First Lady Melania said: ‘My heart breaks for the people of Paris.’ Mr Trump’s daughter Ivanka added: ‘A devastating sight. Praying for the safety of all.’

President Michael D Higgins said: ‘I would like to express the feelings of solidarity of the Irish people with the people of France at the catastrophic damage to one of the most iconic buildings in Europe.

‘The cathedral has suffered many instances of catastrophic damage over the centuries, and it is my hope that it will survive this latest terrible catastrophe.’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar tweeted: ‘Terrible to see Notre Dame ablaze tonight. Devastating for the people of Paris who are watching history burning.’