Angelina Jolie urges authorities to speed up over Katrina aid efforts

Tomb Raider beauty 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 (02 September 05) 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," reports Monsters and Critics.

According to USA Today, Jolie also said she has sent letters to members of Congress and the White House asking them to increase the speed of the federal response. She added, "Like most people, I am simply trying to understand the situation in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and how I can best help."

The actress is known for her spirited support of African refugees and serves as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.