First lady Melania Trump joined President Donald Trump to visit victims of the Texas floods Friday, July 11.

President Donald Trump toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded local officials amid mounting criticism that they failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.

The floods claimed the lives of several children who had been attending a girls’ summer camp located near the Guadalupe River, where rising water levels swept away cabins, bridges and roads.

"It’s hard to believe the devastation," Trump said. "Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I've never seen anything like this, and I've seen a lot of bad ones."

President Donald Trump defended the state and federal response to deadly flash flooding in Texas on Friday as he visited the stricken Hill Country region, where at least 120 people, including dozens of children,

Kerrville residents who turned out in force Friday to welcome President Donald Trump said his visit brought hope and comfort — and marked an important step in the town’s long road to healing and rebuilding.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tour the Texas flood devastation and the State Department begins laying employees.

President Donald Trump spoke about the loss of life as a result of the flooding while surrounded by state and city leaders in Kerrville on Friday.

At least 24 people were dead and many missing after torrential rains unleashed flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas.

President Donald Trump was expected to arrive in Kerr County, Texas, Friday afternoon, one week after the area was struck by catastrophic flooding.