[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 1995)]
[Pages 1764-1765]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Hurricane Opal

October 4, 1995

    As Hurricane Opal hits the coast of the Southern United States, our 
hearts and prayers go out to all whose lives have been disrupted by the 
devastation. The people of Florida and Alabama have shown great courage 
and strength in dealing with the damage that has already been done, and 
I know they will continue to show courage as the hours progress.
    I want the States affected by this terrible storm to know that the 
rest of America is with them. One of the basic values of America is the 
responsibility to stand with each other in times of need. I will do all 
I can to ensure you the Federal support you need for successful recovery 
efforts. Tonight I have signed emergency declarations to supplement 
State and local recovery efforts in both Florida and Alabama. James Lee 
Witt, the Director of the Federal Emergency Man- 

[[Page 1765]]

agement Agency, will be on the ground coordinating efforts in the South 
to save lives and protect the health, safety, and property of those 
affected by Hurricane Opal.
    The action I am taking tonight will now enable us to immediately 
send rescue teams into the affected areas. Please be assured that the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency will mobilize all necessary 
resources to help these States recover from the damage. And be assured 
that the prayers of our entire Nation are with you.