George W. Bush

The White House says President Bush will return to the stricken Gulf Coast Sunday - this time for an overnight visit in Louisiana.

Mr. Bush has received increasing criticism for the government response to the national disaster wrought by Hurricane Katrina. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Friday the president is still looking at ideas for a federal "czar" to coordinate relief efforts.

Mr. Bush thanked 100 countries around the world for their offers of assistance and support, singling out Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

In New Orleans, authorities are stepping up pressure on residents who have refused to leave the devastated city to get out now. Thousands of police and National Guard troops are going from house to house, trying to make everyone leave and marking homes where they find bodies.

An estimate 5,000 to 10,000 residents remain in New Orleans, despite contaminated floodwaters and several raging fires.