Queen Elizabeth offers condolences to Hurricane Harvey victims

Queen Elizabeth II offered her condolences to the victims of Hurricane Harvey on Friday, saying in a statement that she was “deeply saddened” by the devastation in the aftermath of the storm.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and the devastation following the recent terrible floods caused by Hurricane Harvey,” she said.

“Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the victims of this disaster, to those who have lost loved ones, and to those who have seen their homes and property destroyed. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”

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The massive storm devastated swaths of southeastern Texas and Louisiana, leaving at least 46 people dead and causing billions of dollars in damage. 

President Trump is expected to ask Congress for more than $12 billion in emergency relief funding. 

The president and first lady Melania Trump are set to visit Texas on Saturday, a trip that will mark the couple’s second to the area in less than a week. 

Trump visited the Corpus Christi area on Tuesday, where he met with state and local officials, before going to Austin. On Friday, he declared a National Day of Prayer for the victims of the hurricane.

Vice President Pence also made a trip to the state on Thursday to survey the damage.