New Jersey Governor Chris Christie takes to the air to assess storm damage, after Hurricane Sandy battered America's east coast.

On Tuesday (October 30) the governor toured the New Jersey coastline, which was devastated as the storm crashed ashore damaging homes and infrastructure.

A major disaster has been declared in the state, where millions are left without electricity.

On the ground, Christie greeted rescuers and residents - many still coming to terms with the disaster.

Despite usually being a fierce critic of Barack Obama, the governor praised the president for his response.

SOUNDBITE: NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE, SAYING (English):

"I was on the phone again with the president again right before I left, and you know, he is determined, he knows New Jersey is taking the biggest hit of any of the states here and he is determined to work with us to make sure we rebuild the things that we need to rebuild, and I am grateful for his partnership."

Obama is expected to visit damaged areas of the state, along with the governor, on Wednesday (October 31).