Prince of Wales Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla have met survivors of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

They visited the lower Ninth Ward, one of the areas worst hit, in a convoy of 17 vehicles and 14 police motorbikes and climbed a levee to view the storm`s destruction. There were many uprooted trees, damaged homes and upturned cars in the area one resident described as "New Orleans` Ground Zero".

When asked by a reporter what struck him most, the prince said: "Incredible resilience, despite awful loss. Where there`s life, ther`s hope."

The royal couple, on the fifth day of their US tour, also went to a Catholic school in the French Quarter. They also met emergency workers and the Jones family, who lost their home in the hurricane. The family is among people temporarily living in one of two cruise ships brought in to provide emergency accommodation.

Visit of British Royal family representatives followed the aim to attract world society to the problem of devastating hurricane consequence liquidation. Prince donated $25 thousands for reconstruction of settlements.

Prince Charles with wife arrived to USA on November 1. Last 3 days of their visit they will spend in San-Francisco.

Last time Charles made an official visit to USA in 1994.

Bbc news
sections: World News