THE US: The death toll from Hurricane Charley climbed to 16 yesterday. President George W. Bush assured Floridians help was on the way to ease their suffering after a devastating hurricane, as he toured the wreckage of a state critical to his re-election.
Accompanied by his brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and Federal Emergency Management Agency director Mike Brown, President Bush assessed the damage in hard-hit Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, along Florida's Gulf coast.
President Bush had already issued a disaster declaration for the area, freeing up federal emergency funds for the state.
Hurricane Charley, a powerful category four storm which bore down on Florida on Friday with 145 m.p.h. winds, took many people in the south-western part of the state by surprise because of its intensity and its path of movement.
Mr Bush travelled through areas where flipped mobile homes lay next to broken trees and roofs had been shorn from many homes.
"A lot of people's lives have been turned upside down," observed the president, standing outside the home of Gary Nickols 57-year-old utility worker.
Mr Nickols had evacuated to a nearby church, but returned to his home on Saturday without any water or electricity. He said he felt fortunate because his home had been relatively unharmed compared to many others in the area.
Mr Bush praised the quick assistance from federal and state officials, but cautioned recovery efforts would take some time.
"There is a lot of help moving into this part of the world. Out of these catastrophes, the spirit of America really shines and that spirit is neighbour helping neighbour."
Hurricane Andrew, which slashed through Florida in 1992, proved troublesome for President Bush's father, who lost his bid for re-election. Delays in bringing in federal aid and equipment led to criticism of the first President Bush.
The current president assured residents there would not be any delays this time. "It's happening now," he said.
Florida was the site of a bitter and controversial 2000 recount vote. Bush was declared the winner there only after the intervention of the Supreme Court.
Polls show a close race in Florida this year but with sentiment leaning toward Democratic challenger Sen John Kerry.
Political analysts believe Mr Bush needs to carry the state to win the general election. Mr Bush waved off any suggestions of political motives of his visit.
Sen Kerry issued a statement on Saturday saying he does not plan to visit Florida in the hurricane's aftermath because he did not want his campaign entourage to disrupt relief work.
Hurricane Charley's destructive rampage cost at least $15 billion, according to preliminary damage estimates, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said yesterday.