Gov. Shapiro Tours Fatal Bucks Co. Flood Scene

UPPER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Gov. Josh Shapiro toured the township to get a first-hand view of the damage caused by flash flooding Saturday afternoon that claimed the lives of at least five people.

Before speaking at a press conference Sunday afternoon, the governor joined area politicians to see the damage and meet emergency personnel and rescue crews.

"This is a devastating blow to this Bucks County community," Shapiro said at the press conference. "We are all here. This is a moment for all of us to come together. The 13 million people in Pennsylvania are here with you and praying with you."

Shapiro brought with him the FEMA director and PennDOT director Michael Carroll. The governor said PennDOT will evaluate Route 532 to ensure that it is operable.

"All hands are on deck," Shapiro said. "We will be here as long as it takes."

Shapiro said his wife Lori is from the area and both expressed "our personal profound sadness" for the tragedy that is gripping Bucks County.

"Local, state, and federal elected officials have pledged their support to aid us in the search operations and our recovery efforts," the Upper Makefield Police Department said. "We would like to thank Gov. Shapiro for being here and seeing first hand the devastation in regards to the loss of life, but also in reference to our infrastructure."

The governor was joined on the tour by state Sen. Steve Santarsiero —who represents Upper Makefield Township —and other politicians.

They included Upper Makefield Township Supervisor Ben Weldon, Bucks County Commissioners Bob Harvie and Diane Marseglia, state Rep. Perry Warren, and Sen. Bob Casey on a tour of the damage to Washington Crossing and Taylorsville roads.

"I got to thank many of the first responders who have been working around the clock to rescue those caught in the flash flood," Santarsiero said. "Our prayers are for the family, friends and neighbors of the five who lost their lives and the two young children still missing. I will continue to work with local, state and federal officials to restore the roadways."

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