Interstate 10 exits closed

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Hal McMillan has announced, at the request of Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso, that the exits off Interstate 10 from the Texas border to exit 44 at Iowa will be closed until further notice.

The announcement came from the Lake Charles office of U.S. Rep.Charles Boustany Jr., R-La.

“This is a safety issue. Emergency officials need to be able to operate within the parish to conduct search and rescue operations and accurately assess the damage done to Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes by Hurricane Rita. I am asking for the patience of the residents of these parishes," said Hal McMillan, Calcasieu Parish President.

" Safety is the most important factor at this point and we will reopen these exits when and only when, it doesn't hamper search, rescue and recovery efforts.”

Only emergency personnel should be in the city at this time.

"There are still some issues with natural gas leaks, downed power lines and dangerous debris on the streets. There will be plenty of time to take care of property. Right now, we need to keep the focus on taking care of lives,” McMillan said.