Obama sees firsthand Louisiana’s devastation

At least 13 have died in floods; more than 116,000 need aid

Wearing khakis and hiking boots, President Obama toured a flood- damaged Baton Rouge suburb Tuesday, assessing damage from what’s described as the worst natural disaster in the USA since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Obama brushed off criticism that he was late in coming to the flood- ravaged region and devoted much of his time to praising the initial response by state and federal officials.

He said the work of rebuilding will continue for months. “Let me just remind folks: Sometimes once the floodwaters pass, peo- ple’s attention spans pass. This is not a one- off. This is not a photoop issue,” he said after the tour. “I need all Americans to stay focused on this.”

Arriving on schedule at the Baton Rouge airport, Obama paused to speak with Louisiana’s governor and lieutenant governor, then departed for a tour of flood- affected homes in Zachary, La.

The destination: Castle Place, a middle- class subdivision outside Baton Rouge where mounds of drywall, mattresses, toys — even a water- damaged violin — were piled high on a curb.

Sweating in the humid, 92- degree weather, Obama hugged residents as he went from door to door, asking about flood levels and relief efforts.

“I know it’s tough now,” he told one resident.

At least 13 people have died since the flooding began Aug. 11, and Obama declared a disaster area Aug. 14.

The initial four- parish disaster area has since been expanded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to include 20 counties.

More than 116,000 people have registered for federal assistance, and FEMA has distributed $ 107 million. The agency is also processing 26,000 flood insurance claims, and has approved advance payments more than $ 20 million.

Obama said there was no immediate need for congressional action.

“Sometimes once the floodwaters pass, people’s attention spans pass. ... I need all Americans to stay focused on this.” President Obama

ALESSANDRA TARANTINO, AP Rescuers carry a stretcher following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, on Wednesday. At least 73 people were killed in the quake though that number is expected to rise.