Bush declares Katrina prayer day
Found on BBC News on Wednesday, 07 September 2005
US President George W Bush has declared Friday 16 September a national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Mr Bush asked agencies in the disaster zone to treat bodies with "dignity and respect", and announced initial aid of $2,000 (£1,090) for displaced families.
Washington has been accused of failing to react swiftly to the disaster.
Some 25,000 body bags are being sent to New Orleans as rescuers begin recovering victims.
Only 23 of the city's normal contingent of 148 pumps are in operation along with three portable pumps.
They are said to be pushing out about 60,000 gallons (228,000 litres) of water per second but water remains in about 60% of the city.
It took Bush some time to act, but at least they are sending body bags now. Of course they are needed, but it's somewhat odd that they get such a media coverage. Perhaps because it took so long until anything happened at all.