President Barack Obama pledged Tuesday that the residents of Oklahoma will have all of the resources they need to respond to the destruction caused by the massive tornado that ripped through the state Monday afternoon.
The tornado, which was estimated to be at least 2 miles wide, caused massive devastation in the town of Moore, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City.
According to the latest figures, 24 people were killed as a result of the tornado, including nine children. An additional 240 people were reportedly injured in the storm.
"As a nation, our full focus right now is on the urgent work of rescue, and the hard work of recovery and rebuilding that lies ahead," Obama said in remarks in the State Dining Room of the White House.
He added, "Yesterday, I spoke with Governor Fallin to make it clear to Oklahomans that they would have all the resources that they need at their disposal."
Obama noted that he has declared a major disaster in the state of Oklahoma in order to expedite the resources, to support Fallin's team in the immediate response, and to offer direct assistance to those who have suffered loss.
The president said Craig Fugate, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is traveling to Oklahoma and noted that FEMA staff have been in the state since Sunday.
"So the people of Moore should know that their country will remain on the ground, there for them, beside them as long as it takes," Obama said.
He added, "For there are homes and schools to rebuild, businesses and hospitals to reopen, there are parents to console, first responders to comfort, and, of course, frightened children who will need our continued love and attention."
While Obama said that the full extent of the damage from the storm is not yet known, he expressed hope in the knowledge that Americans from around the country will stand with their fellow citizens in Oklahoma.
"So for all those who've been affected, we recognize that you face a long road ahead. In some cases, there will be enormous grief that has to be absorbed, but you will not travel that path alone," Obama said. "Your country will travel it with you, fueled by our faith in the Almighty and our faith in one another."
He added, "So our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma today. And we will back up those prayers with deeds for as long as it takes."
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