( CNN ) -- President Barack Obama made a previously unannounced visit Thursday to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency , which is dealing with widespread flooding in the region . Obama made the stop after a speech on health care reform in Portland , Maine , and before two fundraising appearances in Boston . At the emergency agency 's facility , Obama met with Massachusetts Gov . Deval Patrick , a fellow Democrat and political ally , as well as local officials and workers combating flooding from recent storms . He spoke with workers coordinating the response to the flooding , saying at one point : `` Sounds like at least with some sunshine and sandbags , we can hope for the best . '' Family needs boat to get to front door . Later , he began his remarks at the fundraising events by thanking the government workers involved in the flood relief effort . `` It is worth reminding people at a time when folks who work in government do n't get enough credit ( that ) when times are tough , when trouble arises , there are all kinds of civil servants out there who work 24/7 , '' Obama said . Patrick has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard . The worst flooding has occurred in neighboring Rhode Island , where more than 10,000 people were without power and officials said long-term recovery could take months . See first-hand stories from the flood zone . A rainstorm soaked Northeastern states Tuesday , worsening the effects of a major storm that struck two weeks ago . Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will visit Rhode Island on Friday to inspect flood damage and meet with state and local leaders to discuss response and recovery efforts . In Connecticut , Gov . Jodi Rell said a state of emergency put in place for the earlier storm remains in effect . The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal , state , local , voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the state .
Obama met with Massachusetts Gov . Deval Patrick , local officials and workers . At home , president thanked government officials involved in the flood relief effort . Homeland Security Secretary Janet Reno will visit Rhode Island on Friday .