It's Going To Be Okay
Queen Elizabeth had an emotional message for victims of Hurricane Harvey
Karen Fratti
WPA Pool/Getty Images
Tropical storm Harvey has wrecked havoc on parts of Texas and Louisiana all week, with one more devastating image after another. Donald Trump visited the region on Tuesday and pledged to rebuild, but its going to take a lot of time after the unprecedented amount of rainfall and flooding. The damage has drawn the attention of world leaders including Queen Elizabeth, who sent a message to Harvey victims that really puts things into perspective. She reportedly reached out to Trump, and then released an emotional statement on Friday, writing:
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and the devastation following the recent terrible floods caused by Hurricane Harvey. Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the victims of this disaster, to those who have lost loved ones, and to those who have seen their homes and property destroyed. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected."
The damage from Harvey is still being assessed, but the numbers are already staggering. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, at least 49,000 homes in Texas were damaged in the flood and 200,000 homes still don't have power. Almost 800,000 people were evacuated from Texas and Louisiana in the storm, although authorities are starting to allow some people to return to their homes in order to get a handle on the damage to their personal property.
A message from The Queen to the President of the United States of America following Hurricane Harvey: https://t.co/VOz2kasqVc
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 1, 2017
On Saturday, Trump returned to Texas to visit Houston, which was hit hardest by the storm. Although he didn't visit with any victims or volunteers during his first visit, Trump has plans to meet with people on the ground this weekend. After Houston, Trump will also make a stop in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which was hit by Harvey later in the week.
President Trump returns to #Harvey's path today. He will arrive in Houston this afternoon before heading to Lake Charles, Louisiana. pic.twitter.com/7AmgX81hYx
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) September 2, 2017
When the storm hit Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards warned residents to evacuate with a grave message. "Somewhere between being complacent and being panicked is the right place [to be]. That's where we're going to ask the people of Louisiana to settle," he said, according to The Washington Post.
It's been a long and terrifying week for residents in the Gulf of Mexico. Although there are likely years of rebuilding to do, it's good to know that Americans have the support they need, whether it's from Congress passing a relief package in a timely manner or just good vibes from the Queen of England.
By Karen Fratti
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