Bush tours Kansas town wiped away by killer tornado

Hovering in a helicopter over a destroyed Kansas town, US President George Bush today got his first look at the astonishing damage caused by last week's killer tornado.

Starting a day's tour, Bush circled over Greensburg in south-west Kansas. He saw the flattened ruins of the most punishing tornado to hit the United States in years.

The Friday night storm obliterated Greensburg and killed at least 11 people. After the aerial tour, Bush planned to walk the streets and hear from families who lost everything. He was also to be briefed on recovery efforts at a makeshift command centre.

Roaring at up to 205mph, spanning 1.7 miles, the twister destroyed an estimated 95% of the town. It was believed to be the fiercest tornado in the United States in at least eight years.

The National Weather Service classified it an F-5, the most ferocious designation. Bush had already ordered emergency aid for the people, business and governments in the Greensburg area.

The White House has sought a much more aggressive and engaged reaction to disasters since Hurricane Katrina.