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

Sixteen of 21 oil refineries in the area — accounting for more than a quarter of the total refining capacity in the United States — were closed by the storm. Four others damaged by Hurricane Katrina remained shut down.

Based on computer modeling and initial reports, "We're cautiously optimistic that the petroleum supply will be OK," department spokesman Craig Stevens said.

At landfall near the Texas-Louisiana line, Rita was a Category 3 storm. Within four hours it had weakened to a Category 2 storm, with top winds of 100 mph, as it moved further inland. It was then downgraded to a tropical storm, with winds up to 75 mph.

New Orleans bore the brunt of Hurricane Katrina nearly four weeks ago.

Paulison called the breaching of some levees in New Orleans because of heavy rain from Rita a setback that can be overcome.

"We will have to go back and repair those levees and pump out the water again," the FEMA official said. "It will probably set us back two or three days."

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