President Obama to visit flood-stricken Louisiana amid criticism over continuing holiday

Thirteen people have died and tens of thousands been displaced by the floods, the worst natural disaster in the US since Hurricane Sandy in 2012

The Louisiana ‘Advocate’ said in an editorial addressed to Mr Obama that ‘a disaster this big begs for the personal presence of the President at ground zero’ (Getty)

The White House has said President Obama will visit Louisiana on Tuesday to view first-hand the effects of vast floods that have left 13 dead and tens of thousands displaced, the country's worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Mr Obama signed a disaster declaration on Sunday, ordering federal agencies to help recovery efforts, but he has drawn criticism for his decision to remain on vacation rather than travel to the stricken southern state.

Mr Obama has received daily briefings on the disaster, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson travelled to the state to assess the damage on Thursday. For some, however, his failure swiftly to pay a visit himself has evoked comparisons to President George W Bush’s much-criticised response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when at first he viewed the flooded region from the comfort of Air Force One.

In an editorial addressed to the President, Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate wrote that “a hurting Lousiana needs you now”, and criticised Mr Obama for taking a break from his holiday in Martha’s Vineyard not to visit the Pelican State, but to attend a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton on Monday. “A disaster this big begs for the personal presence of the President at ground zero,” the paper’s editorial board insisted.

Yet Louisiana’s Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has urged Mr Obama to stay away from the state until authorities are prepared for a presidential visit. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said on Friday that such a visit would simply distract local officials. “The President is mindful of the impact that his travel has on first responders and wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts,” Mr Earnest said.

That did not deter Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Indiana governor Mike Pence, who visited the afflicted region on Friday to meet with victims and hand out supplies. “Though words cannot express the sadness one feels at times like this, I hope everyone in Louisiana knows that our country is praying for them and standing with them to help them in these difficult hours,” Mr Trump said.

In a statement, Mr Edwards’ office urged Mr Trump to volunteer for the relief effort or make a “sizeable donation” to recovery efforts. “We welcome him to [Lousiana], but not for a photo op,” the Governor said.

Ms Clinton, Mr Trump’s Democratic presidential rival, wrote on Facebook that she had spoken with Mr Edwards by phone and urged her followers to donate to organisations involved in recovery efforts, but said she would not visit the state for the time being. “My heart breaks for Louisiana, and right now, the relief effort can't afford any distractions,” she wrote.