GOP Sen. Ted Cruz was on a pre-planned vacation in Greece with his family when devastating floods hit central Texas, and he sought to travel back “as fast as humanly possible,” his office said.

Texas’ junior senator was visiting Greece Friday when the Texas flood turned deadly. Cruz, who did not return until Sunday night, communicated with officials from Athens.

GOP Senator Ted Cruz was vacationing in Greece while devastating floods swept through Texas. Following backlash, Cruz’s office issued a statement.