DHS official: Napolitano tour flooded Rhode Island on Friday, assess weather’s damages

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DHS official: Napolitano tour flood-damaged RI

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is planning to travel to Rhode Island on Friday to assess damage caused by the worst flooding there in 200 years.

A DHS official says the secretary will be touring the areas hard hit by several days of record-setting rain.

President Barack Obama issued an emergency declaration Rhode Island this week, ordering federal aid for relief and authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts.

The severe flooding could persist for several more days and permanently close businesses already struggling in the weak economy.

The DHS official spoke on condition of anonymity because Napolitano’s trip had not been announced.