Bush Surveys Gustav Aftermath

President Bush flew over flooded fields and downed trees today as he kept a close watch on the Hurricane Gustav recovery —in contrast to his administration's bungled response to Katrina 3 years ago. Aboard Air Force One, Bush received a briefing from FEMA director R. David Paulison, who said he believes the federal response to Gustav went "extremely well," but warned residents against returning to their homes before city services are up and running.

"Baton Rouge got hit pretty hard," Paulison said. "They got hit worse than New Orleans did. There's obviously no power, windows blown out in buildings, roofs gone." Bush urged caution in the storm’s aftermath: "We know that there is still risk even after the storm has passed," he said. "So I ask citizens across the region to listen closely to local officials before returning to their homes." (More George W. Bush stories.)