FEMA head sidelined from relief operation

MICHAEL BROWN, director of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has been removed from his role managing relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and is returning to Washington.

Mr Brown, under fire for the Bush administration's slow response, will be replaced by Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thad Allen, who was overseeing New Orleans relief and rescue efforts. Mr Brown's new assignment was not immediately known.

Asked if he was being made a scapegoat for a federal relief effort which has drawn widespread and sharp criticism, he said after a long pause: "By the press, yes. By the president, no."