The tape is of a briefing on Aug. 28 just one day before Katrina roared ashore, unleashing its fury and destruction on the city of New Orleans and along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The video shows Bush and his federal disaster officials being warned that the levees in New Orleans could be breached.
A hurricane expert is seen and heard warning about his "grave concerns" of imminent danger and destruction of the storm.
This frame taken from secure government video obtained by The Associated Press shows President George Bush, center, taking part in a government wideo briefing the day before Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29. (AP Photo)
"I don't think any model could predict whether it'll top the levees, but that's obviously a grave concern," said Max Mayfield, the Director of the U.S. National Hurricane Centre.
After the hurricane struck, Bush later went on television saying: "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees."
On the tape, Michael Brown, chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agencywho was forced to step down after the storm hit also voices his concerns.
Brown raised the possibility that emergency officials would not be able to adequately help all those who might end up displaced in places like the New Orleans Superdome.
"I'm concerned about...their ability to respond to a catastrophe within a catastrophe," Brown said.
"We're going to need everything that we can possibly muster, not only in this state and in the region, but the nation, to respond to this event," Brown warned.
Bush is not seen asking any questions during the briefing, but is heard telling state officials, "We are fully prepared."
On Wednesday, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin had blunt words about the tape, which is part of six days of tapes and briefings obtained by the Associated Press.
"You know, from this tape it looks like everybody was fully aware," Nagin said. "I have kind a sinking feeling in my gut right now."
The White House, however, was downplaying the signficance of the video.
"I hope people don't draw conclusions from the president getting a single briefing," presidential spokesman Trent Duffy said. "He received multiple briefings from multiple officials, and he was completely engaged at all times."
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