| Updated: 6/14/2010 8:33 am |
Published: 6/13/2010 8:43 am |
In a press conference at Arkansas Department of Emergency Management headquarters, a delegation made up of senators, congressmen and federal officials offered heartfelt words to those touched by the deadly flooding in southwest Arkansas.
Blanche Lincoln said, "Our hearts and prayers go out to them."
"This is one of the saddest things that has hit Arkansas in a long, long time," said Mark Pryor.
Mike Ross said, "I can tell you the damage I saw and the stories I heard today are absolutely heartbreaking."
"Our heart truly goes out to every single family that has been impacted affected by this disaster," said Tom Vilsack.
In a phone call to Governor Beebe President Obama offered condolences and support.
"He (the president) pledged any and all help from the federal agencies he specifically mentioned FEMA," said Beebe.
US Forestry Service and Agriculture Department personnel are already on the ground at the Albert Pike camp ground doing what they can.
Vilsack said, "Being able to transport requires not just folks on foot, but also in canoes, kayaks boats of that sort. We've also provided some equipment to move dirt and move debris."
This delegation wants to remove any belief that somehow oversight on the part of the Forestry Service or the Weather Service caused this tragedy.
"One of the national media folks kind of asked, wanted us maybe to assign blame or to point one a finger and this not one of those situations,” said Pryor. “This happened, it was an act of nature it's tragic, very sad."
