President Obama spoke about the Oklahoma tornado and said that "Americans from every corner of this country will be right there" to support the residents of Moore for as long as their recovery takes.

President Obama speaks from the White House
President Obama speaks from the White House (WCBS TV)
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Speaking from the White House, Obama stressed that "Oklahoma needs to get help right away in wake of devastating tornado."

Obama calls the devastation that tore through the Oklahoma City suburbs, quote, "one of the most destructive tornados in history," even though he said the extent of the damage is still unknown.

"One of the most destructive tornadoes in history sliced through the towns of Newcastle and Moore, Oklahoma. In an instant, neighborhoods were destroyed, dozens of people list their lives, many more were injured, and among the victims were children, trying to stake shelter in" the safest place they knew, their school, Obama said

Obama spoke Tuesday after an Oval Office briefing on the latest developments from his disaster response team and as Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate was heading to Oklahoma.

Obama spoke following a meeting with his disaster response team, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and top White House officials. On Monday, he spoke with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Republican Rep. Tom Cole, whose home is in the heavily damaged town of Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City.

President Obama speaks with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallon (R) from the Oval Office
President Obama speaks with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallon (R) from the Oval Office (White House)
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Obama has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

He also recognized the efforts of those who helped protect children and rescue victims in the hours since the tornado. "Our gratitude is with teachers who gave their all to shield their children; with the neighbors, first responders and emergency personnel who raced to help as soon as the tornado passed and with all of those who, as darkness fell, searched for survivors through the night."

The president offered prayers and said there's a long road of recovery ahead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

 

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