U.S. Feds mount broad aid campaign for Rita
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-25 09:09

Five hundred troops from the 82nd Airborne Division headed to Lafayette, La., about 135 miles west of New Orleans, to help with search-and-rescue efforts, said division commander Maj. Gen. Bill Caldwell. He said about 3,200 of his soldiers would be prepared to go to Lafayette by Sunday if needed.

Military briefers said there are 17,000 active duty military and 36,700 Guard personnel in the areas affected by the two hurricanes.

Several Navy ships that had been in New Orleans and were sent to sea to avoid Rita were heading back Saturday to position themselves about 50 miles off the coast of Port Arthur, Texas.

At the Northern Command headquarters in Colorado Springs, Bush was briefed on the storm and on the reflooding of parts of New Orleans.

"All the forces are postured for rapid response. I think we're in good shape," said Navy Capt. Brad Johanson.

Coast Guard Capt. Dan Lloyd told Bush there were still some 61,000 people in shelters — down from a high of 253,000.

The American Red Cross is apparently close to having the capability of serving 300,000 meals a day, Lloyd said.

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