Bush had to appeal to Louisiana governor

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- In the face of a catastrophic Hurricane Katrina, a mandatory evacuation was ordered Sunday for New Orleans by Mayor Ray Nagin.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco, standing beside the mayor at a news conference, said President Bush called and personally appealed for a mandatory evacuation for the low-lying city, which is prone to flooding.

TAGS: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, responsibility