4:38 am
LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) – President Bush says he understands the frustration of those who fled Hurricane Rita and aren’t being allowed back home.
But he appealed today to evacuees to listen to local officials in southeast Texas and Louisiana — and stay away until electricity and water are restored.
Bush spoke to reporters after a briefing from state officials in Lake Charles.
He earlier got a similar briefing in Beaumont, Texas.
In between, Bush took a helicopter tour of areas the storm demolished.
Bush stood with Governor Kathleen Blanco who said the oil and gas industry was dependent on “a healthy Louisiana.”
The former oilman patted Blanco sympathetically on the back.
Bush says his priorities are to assist people with food and water, restore power and provide fuel.