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08/31/2005:

"Floodwaters, tensions rise in New Orleans"

A day after being pummeled by Hurricane Katrina, the Crescent City had no power, little drinking water, dwindling food supplies and water rising in the streets.

Water levels continued to rise downtown after sections of two levees collapsed, leaving 80 percent of the city under water as deep as 20 feet in places. (See photographer's account of coastal damage -- 3:29 )

Authorities warned that efforts to limit the flooding have been unsuccessful, and that residents may not be able to return home for a month.

"It's a difficult, difficult situation," Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco told CNN. "The Corps Of Engineers has attempted to fix the situation under emergency conditions. They're not the best conditions, and probably too little, too late."

Water from Lake Pontchartrain was pouring into downtown from levee breaches, rising steadily throughout the day along Canal Street, the main thoroughfare that separates the central business district from the French Quarter. (Map)

Coast Guard crews in helicopters continued to pluck people stranded on the roofs of their inundated houses, while state and local rescue crews used boats to reach residents marooned by the floods. (Watch the video account of unanswered screams -- 1:57)

Wildlife and Fisheries workers rescued more than 3,000 people Tuesday, Sen. Mary Landrieu told a reporter.

More than 1,200 people were rescued Monday, and a Coast Guard spokesman said Tuesday night that rescuers "really have no idea" how many people remain stranded.

Two major medical centers, Charity Hospital and Tulane University Hospital, had to be evacuated because of rising water and power outages.

Hundreds of people were looting businesses downtown, throwing rocks through windows and hauling away goods from stores. Some looters were brazenly trying on clothes in the street. Police said the looting was happening citywide.

Landrieu said she "can understand" how some people might loot to get food or water, but said she had no tolerance for people motivated by avarice. Such lawlessness "is the worst kind of behavior."

By mid-afternoon, officers armed with automatic weapons could be seen on downtown streets, and sporadic gunfire could be heard, although the source was unclear.
cnn.com