/ AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Updated at 5:30 p.m. ET
President Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie today flew over the Jersey Shore to assess the devastation that Superstorm Sandy left in its wake, stopping at a community center to reassure the storm's victims that state and federal officials are working together to help the state recover.
"We are here for you," Mr. Obama told residents during a news conference following their tour. "We will follow up to make sure you get the help you need until you rebuild."
Mr. Obama praised Christie's response to the storm, noting that he has been "aggressive in making sure the state got out in front of this storm. I think the people of New Jersey recognize he's put his heart and soul in making sure the people of New Jersey bounce back."
[h=3]Before-and-after views of Sandy destruction[/h]
He also thanked the state's congressional delegation, noting that they helped ensure that funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and thanked the first responders who put their neighbors' needs ahead of their own.
"Our hearts go out to those families who have lost loved ones," Mr. Obama said. At least eight people in New Jersey died because of the storm. The president noted that while relatively few lives were lost, the people who lost loved ones have had their worlds "torn apart."
The president said the government is taking an "all hands on deck" approach in its response to Sandy, with over 2,000 FEMA personnel on the ground right now.
"They are going out and talking to individual communities so people know how they can get the help that they need," he said. He noted that affected residents can immediately apply for assistance in acquiring basic supplies or necessities like rental housing.
"Obviously, our biggest priority right now is getting power back on," the president continued. He said he spoke to CEOs of utility companies yesterday from across the country who have pledged to send crews and equipment to the affected area as quickly as possible.
