Actress Angelina Jolie has sent letters to the US government, urging authorities to increase the efforts over the disaster left by Katrina.

Jolie, 30, issued a statement late Friday, declaring she was "shocked" at the images coming from New Orleans, a city she said is "very close to my heart".

She said: "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".

Angelina also stated she sent letters to members of Congress and the White House, asking them to increase the speed of the federal response.

"The federal government's response must be dramatically increased in order to prevent a further loss of life. Like most people, I am simply trying to understand the situation in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and how I can best help," Jolie added.