Donald Trump and his vice-presidential running mate are heading to Louisiana to meet victims of the floods which have recently ravaged the state.
Thirteen people have lost their lives and a further 30,000 have been forced to leave their homes.
Speaking at a rally in North Carolina on Thursday, he said: “I hope everyone in Louisiana knows that our country is praying for them, and standing with them to help them in these difficult hours."
Thank you to NC for last evenings great reception. The speech was a great success. Heading now to Louisiana & another speech tonight in MI.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2016
Hillary Clinton is currently taking a break from the campaign trail but is keeping an eye on the situation.
Closely monitoring the flooding in Louisiana & Mississippi. The @RedCross is helping displaced families in need: https://t.co/sSYTbQMndP -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2016
President Obama is on a two-week holiday with his family and has so far resisted calls to end his vacation early and visit the state. He has given no indication if he will cut short his stay in Martha's Vineyard which is due to end this Sunday.
Local newspaper "The Advocate" has urged the President to visit, stating in its editorial: "A disaster this big begs for the personal presence of the President at ground zero.
"In coming here, the President can decisively demonstrate that Louisiana's recovery is a priority for his administration -- and the United States of America," it added.
Louisiana is primarily a Republican state and last voted for a Democratic presidential nominee in 1996 when Bill Clinton took the state.
