Obama to meet flood victims during trip to Memphis

The president has declared Memphis, Shelby County and surrounding counties disaster areas

By Associated Press

Published May 13, 2011 3:06PM (EDT)

Homes on Mud Island sit in floodwater Tuesday, May 10, 2011, in Memphis, Tenn. The Mississippi River crested in Memphis at nearly 48 feet on Tuesday, falling short of its all-time record but still soaking low-lying areas with enough water to require a massive cleanup. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (AP)
Homes on Mud Island sit in floodwater Tuesday, May 10, 2011, in Memphis, Tenn. The Mississippi River crested in Memphis at nearly 48 feet on Tuesday, falling short of its all-time record but still soaking low-lying areas with enough water to require a massive cleanup. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (AP)

President Barack Obama will meet with families affected by flooding along the Mississippi River when he travels to Memphis, Tenn., on Monday.

The White House says Obama will also meet with first responders and state and local officials. The Mississippi crested in Memphis earlier this week at a near-record level, flooding low-lying neighborhoods and forcing hundreds of residents into emergency shelters.

Obama has declared Memphis, Shelby County and surrounding counties disaster areas, making them eligible for federal aid.

The president is traveling to Memphis to deliver a commencement address at a high school that won a White House education competition.


By Associated Press

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