Linking Texas death toll to cuts in Weather Service is “depraved lie” says White House | BBC News

The White House has defended the US National Weather Service after claims it failed to provide sufficIent warnings about the devastating floods in Texas. Questions have been raised about whether cuts to the service have undermined its effectiveness.

More than 100 people, among them more than two dozen children, are known to have died after heavy rain caused sudden flash floods in parts of the state.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing: "Unfortunately, in the wake of this once in a generation natural disaster, we have seen many falsehoods pushed by Democrats such as Senator Chuck Schumer and some members of the media… blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning." She claimed the National Weather Service had done its job, providing precise forecasts and warnings of the impending disaster.

Search efforts are continuing for a fourth day in Texas, with dozens of people still missing. Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in the county, confirmed that at least 27 girls and staff had lost their lives, with 10 children and one counsellor still missing.

The White House says President Trump is planning to visit the area this week.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gary O’Donoghue in Texas

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