Donald Trump congratulates Hurricane Florence victim on yacht that washed up near his home

Donald Trump reportedly congratulated one homeowner on a yacht that had washed up outside his house
REUTERS
Ella Wills20 September 2018

US President Donald Trump stopped to remark on what he saw as a Hurricane Florence survivor's new fortune during a tour of affected areas in North Carolina, according to a White House pool report.

Speaking to a homeowner who had a yacht wash up in his garden, the president said "at least you got a nice boat out of the deal", the report shared by Mark Landler of the New York Times said.

Mr Trump toured visited the city of New Bern on Wednesday as part of a two-state visit in the aftermath of the deadly storm.

The storm-wrecked area sustained heavy flood damage during the hurricane.

The president helped hand out meals at a Baptist church serving as a food distribution center and walked along a neighbourhood street strewn with rubbish, branches and sodden furniture.

He offered hugs and handshakes and posed for photos with people cleaning up their homes after the powerful storm.

Mr Trump went on a two-state visit to the Carolinas on Wednesday in aftermath of Hurricane Florence
AP

At one point he stopped to meet a man in front of a small brick house, behind which a large boat was shipwrecked, the pool report said.

Mr Trump said: "Is this your boat?"

The homeowner said "no".

"At least you got a nice boat out of the deal," the president replied.

Hurricane Florence - In pictures

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He later added: "I think it's incredible what we're seeing. This boat just came here.

"They don't know whose boat that is. What's the law? Maybe it becomes theirs."

The president later arrived in South Carolina on the second leg of the trip to survey damage caused by Florence.

He arrived near the city of Conway, near to Myrtle Beach.

He told people things are "going to be OK," and others thanked him for coming.

Trump put his hands on people's shoulders and promised that a "lot of money" will be coming from Washington.

Florence has killed at least 36 people, including 27 in North Carolina, eight in South Carolina and one in Virginia.

Thousands of rescues have taken place in the Carolinas. Fire and rescue crews were waiting to go into many areas to assist with structural damage resulting from Florence, which dumped up to 36 inches (91cm) of rain in parts of North Carolina.

At least 16 rivers remained at a major flood stage, with three others set to crest in the coming days in North Carolina, the state said.

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