WASHINGTON — President Obama told the nation Tuesday that the federal government is fully engaged in dealing with the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado strikes in Oklahoma.
In an address from the White House, Obama said federal officials are coordinating with their state counterparts in Oklahoma. Obama dispatched the FEMA administrator, Craig Fugate, to the scene of the storms to oversee rescue and cleanup operations.
A White House official said the president was briefed through the night Monday as details on the deadly storms emerged. Obama said the federal government will stay on the scene in Oklahoma as long as is necessary.
"Our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma today, and we will back up those prayers with deeds for as long as it takes," he said.