It's been nearly a week since mudslides devastated parts of Montecito, California after ripping through neighborhoods, taking homes completely off of foundations and carrying boulders for miles. Twenty people have been pronounced dead and a number are still missing, including a two-year-old girl.
"The President has been briefed and will continue to monitor the mudslides in California. The President and First Lady extend their deepest sympathies to the families affected, their appreciation for the first responders saving lives, and their prayers for those who remain missing," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Monday.
The administration has acknowledged federal assistance is desperately needed for those who ahve been affected.
.@realDonaldTrump adds Federal assistance in CA. https://t.co/ZTvBLXn1Ia
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 15, 2018
@realDonaldTrump adds federal assistance for individuals affected by the CA fires & mudslides. This on top of public assistance and hazard mitigation assistance puts the Federal government all in. This team is strong: @FEMA_Brock, @CalOES_Dir, @FEMABobFenton
— Thomas P. Bossert (@TomBossert45) January 15, 2018
Meanwhile, rescue and recovery efforts continue. FEMA, the Red Cross and local authorities on are the scene, although chances of finding survivors --at this point-- are slim.
Thank you @RedCross for your tireless support to disaster survivors facing #CAfires and #mudslides ! https://t.co/fqSybDX4el
— Thomas P. Bossert (@TomBossert45) January 15, 2018