Angelina Jolie Takes Action Over Storm Aid Efforts  9/5/05

Mr and Mrs Smith star Angelina Jolie has written to the US government urging authorities to speed up the response to Hurricane Katrina.

The 30-year-old actress issued a statement late Friday (02SEP05) saying she was "shocked" at the images coming from New Orleans, a city she said is "very close to my heart".

She says, "It is wonderful to hear of the relief efforts that are finally coming into New Orleans and the rest of the region today, but as we all know, it is simply not going to be enough.

"The federal government's response must be dramatically increased in order to prevent a further loss of life."

Jolie said she has sent letters to members of Congress and the White House asking them to increase aid efforts.

She adds, "Like most people, I am simply trying to understand the situation in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and how I can best help."