(NECN) - President Obama gave a press conference from the Rose Garden at 5 p.m. Sunday to provide a brief update to their ongoing response efforts.
Obama started by saying Irene has claimed lives and their thoughts and prayers are with those most impacted by the storm.
Obama then reminded all impacted by Irene that America is with them in their hour of need.
One of their chief concerns was significant flooding and widespread power outages, which they have received numerous reports on since Irene hit.
"I want people to understand that this is not over," the President said.
Response and recovery efforts will be an ongoing operations, and Obama urges Americans in affected areas to continue to listen for guidance from state and local officials.
FEMA's Janet Napolitano and Craig Fugate also spoke.
