Washington D.C. [USA], Sep 2 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump has declared September 3 to be the 'National Day of Prayer' for the victims of Hurricane Harvey and for the country's response and recovery efforts.

"Hurricane Harvey first made landfall as a Category 4 storm near Rockport, Texas, on the evening of August 25, 2017. The storm has since devastated communities in both Texas and Louisiana, claiming many lives, inflicting countless injuries, destroying or damaging tens of thousands of homes, and causing billions of dollars in damage. The entire Nation grieves with Texas and Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for those performing acts of service, and we pray for healing and comfort for those in need," read the US President's proclamation.

"Americans have always come to the aid of their fellow countrymen -- friend helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger -- and we vow to do so in response to Hurricane Harvey. From the beginning of our Nation, Americans have joined together in prayer during times of great need, to ask for God's blessings and guidance," it continued.

Further thanking the rescue and relief teams for their devoted work he said, "Melania and I are grateful to everyone devoting time, effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in this time of crisis."

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 3, 2017, as a National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. We give thanks for the generosity and goodness of all those who have responded to the needs of their fellow Americans."

He also urged the Americans of "all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey, including people who have lost family members or been injured, those who have lost homes or other property, and our first responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and medical professionals leading the response and recovery efforts."

President Trump also tweeted the complete proclamation and wrote alongside, "President Donald J. Trump Proclaims September 3, 2017, as a National Day of Prayer' #HurricaneHarvey #PrayForTexas"

Meanwhile, he is going to donate USD one million of his own money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

The continuing devastation from catastrophic flooding in the region, caused by Hurricane Harvey, has reportedly led to atleast 46 deaths so far.

With heavy deluge from the Tropical Storm Harvey swallowing the entire Texas cities, the US military force has mobilized its warships and aircraft to help local law administration for the rescue operations.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already activated the Texas National Guard, which comprises of nearly 12,000 troops.

State, local and military rescue units till now rescued thousands of stranded residents from the water and flooded homes. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI