Washington (Agencies + Diplomat.so) - The Federal government is sending generators, water and blankets to Texas and is preparing to ship in diesel, as well, to help with backup power amid the massive outages that accompanied the recent cold snap, the White House announced on Wednesday.
A Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesperson said the agency has sent 60 "very large” generators to the state to help keep hospitals and other crucial infrastructure online.
The spokesperson could not say where the generators had been sent.
The agency has also sent "millions of liters of water” and "tens of thousands” of blankets, she said.
The federal assistance comes as a winter storm has left millions without power across the state, with officials warning the blackouts could continue for days.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said FEMA is also "preparing to move diesel into the state to ensure the continued availability of backup power, which of course is a major issue on the ground to key critical infrastructure, including communications, hospitals and water.”
More assistance may be sent as requested by the state, federal officials said.
President Joe Biden declared an emergency in Texas over the weekend and Psaki said the White House remains in close contact with state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday issued a statement on the situation in Texas that touted $50 billion in FEMA funding Democrats are pushing in their latest COVID relief package and calling for "smart and urgent investments to reduce blackouts and brownouts.”
"All Americans are watching the situation in Texas and throughout the heartlands with great sadness,” Pelosi said. "Together, we must build back better an electric grid that’s cheaper, cleaner and more reliable.”
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