Trump's visit gives attention to the state's plight, says Louisiana church

Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump and Gov. Mike Pence caused a positive stir, when they visited Louisiana to see the flooding damage in the area first-hand.

Breaking Christian News reported that Trump and Pence did their rounds together with Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser on Friday, Aug. 19. What has been called the "worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy," Louisiana's record flooding has brought great damage to the area, with some places still 7 feet underwater. 13 people were killed.

The three spoke with flood victims and met Rev. Franklin Graham near Baton Rouge, at the Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. This is where the reverend set up a disaster response group called Samaritan's Purse.

The report said that Graham described the situation and lauded Trump and Pence for their concern in a Facebook post: "The amount of damage is incredible. Donald J. Trump, Governor Mike Pence, and Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser came to our work site to encourage the volunteers and those who have lost so much. It meant a lot to these people. I appreciate them coming and hope that their visit will help shine a spotlight on the great need."

Graham added in his post that although the media has moved on in pursuit of other stories, Louisiana's recovery will take months. The reverend also called on people to remember Louisiana in their prayers and encouraged people to check the Samaritan's Purse website and volunteer to help.

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church expressed their gratitude for the visit in their Facebook page: "Yesterday's visit by Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Franklin Graham has generated a lot of interest across the country from people who want to help our church and community. Today, Samaritan's Purse sent out 90 volunteers to clean out houses in the area. As of last night we have had over 600 applications for assistance in removing debris and cleaning out homes."

U.S. President Barack Obama also visited Louisiana last Tuesday, and toured East Baton Rouge Parish, according to Reuters.

"What I want the people of Louisiana to know is, you're not alone on this, even after the TV cameras leave," the president said in an interview with Reuters. He hugged the people of Louisiana and offered them assurance that necessary aid will be given for their recovery.

Obama said that $120 million in federal aid has already been approved. There are currently more than 100,000 federal aid applications. The President also noted that many people did not have flood insurance.