Saturday, September 3 - Day 8
In his weekly radio address, delivered from the Rose Garden, Bush announces 4,000 active duty troops are aiding relief efforts in the Gulf Coast, with 7,000 more set to arrive within 72 hours.
In New Orleans: Buses clear tens of thousands of evacuees from the convention center as fires break out in a warehouse district along the Mississippi River. The last 200 patients are evacuated from Charity Hospital.
Sunday, September 4 - Day 9
President Bush tours the Red Cross's relief operations center in Washington, praising the efforts of Red Cross volunteers at shelters in 19 states as a "tidal wave of compassion." He orders flags lowered to half-staff in memory of Katrina's victims and of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who died Saturday night.
In New Orleans: Helicopter and boat rescues continue, and helicopters drop food and water to people they cannot rescue yet. The New Orleans Times-Picayune publishes an editorial under the headline "An Open Letter to the President" that blasts the relief effort and demands the firing of FEMA officials.
Monday, September 5 - Day 10
On his second visit to the Gulf Coast since the hurricane, President Bush praises relief workers at the Bethany Prayer Center and at the government's emergency operations center, both in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He meets with residents of Poplarville, Mississippi, promising them that "we're here for the long haul." Bush signs emergency declarations for eight more states.
In New Orleans: Pumps start removing water from the city, dumping it over the repaired levee into the 17h Street canal. Recovery teams begin house-to-house searches for stranded survivors and bodies.
Tuesday, September 6 - Day 11
President Bush pledges a White House investigation into the response to Katrina, as Democrats and Republicans call for a congressional investigation or an independent panel similar to the 9/11 commission. Bush meets with congressional leaders at the White House and dispatches members of his Cabinet to Capitol Hill to brief other representatives.
In New Orleans: Mayor Nagin orders police "to compel the evacuation of all persons ... regardless of whether such persons are on private property or do not desire to leave."
Wednesday, September 7 - Day 12
President Bush announces that he is requesting an additional $51.8 billion in emergency funds from Congress, a request White House press secretary Scott McClellan says will not be the last. The request includes $1.4 billion for military operations and $400 million for the Army Corps of Engineers.
In New Orleans: Recovery teams find 30 bodies at St. Rita's nursing home in hard-hit St. Bernard Parish. New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass says that despite the mayor's Tuesday order, he does not have the manpower to carry out mandatory evacuations.
Thursday, September 8 - Day 13
In an address at FEMA headquarters, President Bush announces a plan to distribute $2,000 to every household affected by Katrina to cover immediate needs. He also promises to reimburse states for the costs of housing evacuees, saying, "You should not be penalized for showing compassion." Bush declares September 16 a national day of prayer.
In New Orleans: The Army Corps of Engineers says that 37 of the city's 174 permanent pumps and 17 portable pumps are in operation, removing 11,000 cubic feed of water from the city each second. Red Cross and state officials say that Red Cross relief supplies were turned away from entering New Orleans in the days after Katrina hit.
Friday, September 9 - Day 14
In a speech at the State Department, President Bush says, "America is a strong and resilient nation. Our people have the spirit, the resources and the determination to overcome any challenge." The White House announces Bush will tour New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Sunday, staying overnight before returning to Washington Monday.
In New Orleans: Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen is tapped to replace FEMA director Brown as the on-site coordinator of relief efforts. Brown, under fire for his handling of the crisis and facing questions over his qualifications, returns to Washington.
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