Rising Floodwaters Outside Superdome

Katrina Headlines XIII

Current efforts to stop flood: Helicopters dropping 3,000-pound sandbags onto one of levees. Dead bodies being tossed to the side.
It’s official from Blanco: there is now no drinkable water in New Orleans. The storm broke a major water main.
Question: What are the plans now to evacuate the 20,000 people at the Superdome?
Storm Digest has a graphic depicting levee breach areas.
Leave it to Der Spiegel to suggest that Katrina is the result of U.S. environmental policy.
Hugo Chavez pledges food and aid despite recent remarks.
Rising oil prices cause airlines to cancel flights.

Big Three automakers allow for deferred car loans.
Video link: Mayor describes status of New Orleans.
WWL blog now reports that widespread looting is going down, people grabbing racks of clothes, electronics, whatever they can.
Another resource from Michelle (if I haven’t mentioned it already): Eyes on Katrina.
The figure now for people in the Superdome is 20,000.
From Joshua Marshall: “Jeff Parish President. Residents will probably be allowed back in town in a week, with identification only, but only to get essentials and clothing. You will then be asked to leave and not come back for one month.”
What’s the airport situation? According to the Times-Picayune, it’s only open for emergency power and rescue-related efforts. And even this may stop. Also, as widely reported, the Times-Picayune Building has been evacuated.