Bush says FEMA on top of quake situation

From CNN White House Correspondent Major Garrett

OMAHA, Nebraska (CNN) -- President Bush said Wednesday the Federal Emergency Management Agency was "on top" of the situation in Seattle, where the president said he hoped the earthquake did not "create much damage nor take anybody's life."

Mr. Bush said he telephoned FEMA director Joe Allbaugh and was assured the federal government was engaged in dealing with the situation.

"It's a serious earthquake and I just called the FEMA director to stay in touch with the emergency office to make sure we are on top of it and we are," Mr. Bush said during a stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to promote his budget.

After the event, Mr. Bush told reporters he was unable to contact Washington Gov. Gary Locke for more details on damage because Locke was traveling. Mr. Bush said he would try again.

The president also said FEMA will determine what federal resources are needed and provide them as soon as possible.

"Talked to the FEMA director, he's on top of it," Mr. Bush said. Asked if he had a message for residents of Seattle, Mr. Bush said: "Well, God bless, anything we can do to help."

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Federal Emergency Management Agency

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