BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhuanet) -- A videotape revealed Wednesday by the Associated Press news agency is raising new questions about U.S. President George W. Bush's handling of hugely destructive hurricane Katrina last summer.

A new vediotape is raising new questions about Bush's handling of hurricane Katrina last summer. [filephoto]

    The tape is of a briefing on Aug. 28, 2005 -- just one day before hurricane Katrina roared ashore, unleashing its fury and destruction on the city of New Orleans and along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    The video shows Bush and his federal disaster officials being warned that the levees in New Orleans could be breached.

    A hurricane expert is seen and heard warning about his "grave concerns" of imminent danger and destruction of the storm.

    "I don't think any model could predict whether it'll top the levees, but that's obviously a grave concern," said Max Mayfield, the Director of the U.S. National Hurricane Centre.

    Four days after the hurricane struck, Bush went on television saying: "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees."

    Bush is not seen asking any questions during the briefing, but is heard telling state officials "I want to assure the folks that we are fully prepared ¡­ We pray there's no loss of life, of course."

    Trent Duffy, White House spokesman, said the tape was misleading. "I hope people don't draw conclusions from the president getting a single briefing," Duffy said, "He received multiple briefings from multiple officials, and he was completely engaged at all times."

    Katrina struck on August 29, killing more than 1300 people, many in New Orleans. More than 2000 people are still officially listed as missing. Enditem

    (Agencies)