Obama to visit New Orleans for 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

EDGARTOWN, Mass. – President Barack Obama will visit New Orleans next week to mark the approaching 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The powerful storm struck Louisiana on Aug. 29, 2005, causing significant damage to the Gulf Coast and forcing a storm surge that breached New Orleans' levee system and flooded large sections of the city. Nearly 2,000 people died because of the storm, most of them in New Orleans.

The White House says Obama plans to meet Aug. 27 with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and residents who have spent the past decade rebuilding their lives.

He will also deliver remarks on the region's rebirth.

Obama will be joined by Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.