Former President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush said Monday they are praying for those affected by the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Houston, but are inspired by volunteers and first responders who have stepped in to help.
“Barbara and I are in Maine, but our hearts are in Houston,” the former president and first lady said in a statement. “We are praying for all of our fellow Houstonians and Texans affected by Harvey, and truly inspired by the flotilla of volunteers — Points of Light all — who are answering the call to help their neighbors.
“We salute them, the first responders, and the local elected officials for their grit and determination in the face of this extraordinary storm. This we know: Houston, and Texas, will come together and rebuild.”
The couple spends every summer in Kennebunkport, Maine, and lives in Houston during the winter.
Former President George W. Bush also offered his prayers to those impacted by the flooding in Houston.
“Laura and I are moved by the heroic work of the first responders and volunteers who are putting themselves at risk to save others,” he said in a statement Monday. “The devastation breaks our hearts, but we are confident that these strong communities will recover and thrive.”
The younger Bush also said he and former First lady Laura Bush donated to Team Rubicon, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army.
“We hope our fellow citizens will join us in giving to these groups and others that are making a difference on the ground,” he said in his statement. “We are proud of the people of Texas for showing the resilience and compassion of our state, and we pray for their safety and well-being.”
Parts of Harris County, Texas, which includes Houston, has seen catastrophic flooding after Harvey, now downgraded to a tropical storm, made landfall over the weekend.
At least five people have died, and thousands more were rescued from homes and cars. Law enforcement are continuing with rescue operations, as the flooding is expected to reach its peak Wednesday or Thursday.
