"I can't remember the exact words, but he basically shook his head, and said there was no way to evacuate the people. HE WAS ASKED why buses or cars couldn't be sent in, and he said, even if transportation was provided, the people would not go."
I believe you stated it very well.
He said they WOULD NOT GO.
Then he pleaded with them to leave.
>Then he pleaded with them to leave. <
But didn't bother to arrange transportation so they could leave. However, he sure didn't hesitate to bash the feds for not immediately waving their rescue wands and saving all the people he left to fend for themselves.