Katrina Headlines XIV

National Guard says there’s 60,000 people in the Superdome.
One of the deaths at the Superdome: a person leaping to their death from the upper level.
Biloxi apartment complex: 30 dead in collapse.
Mobile Loaves and Fishes coming into act.
$3 gas in Omaha.
Logic Voice points to this Democracy Now item: Iraq war will play role in recovery. Much of the Louisiana National Guard’s equipment is in Iraq.
Overview of Katrina’s economic effects.
Behind the scenes at the National Hurricane Center.
Times-Picayune: Latest update on neighborhoods. Seems that area near West Jefferson Hospital is dry, as is 1700 block of N. Turnbull St. Rumor now that water around Canal Blvd. does not seem to be rising. So perhaps we’ve reached the peak of the levee breach flooding.
Missing Persons Number: 225-925-6626.
WWL-TV blog: Confirmation that 60,000 people are in Superdome, Jefferson Parish saying that schools could reopen two months after Labor Day.

Rising Floodwaters Outside Superdome

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.

The Times-Picayune issued an all-digital paper today.
Hundreds may be dead.
Bush to return to Washington.
At least three deaths at the Superdome.
Looters have taken to the streets.
WWL has a blog up.
Currently, thousands are still in the Superdome, despite rising waters. Blanco wants them evacuated, but there are no firm plans.
Unconfirmed rumor: There is a fire somewhere near the Superdome.
Flood photo slideshow.
Efforts to evacuate hospital patients, as floods now stopping power generators.
First-hand tale of deaths at boarding house.