Martial law declared in New Orleans

Via TalkLeft...

New Orleans CBS affiliate WWL-TV is reporting that martial law has been declared in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish after levee breaks caused major flooding in the city Tuesday morning, sending waves of water through the downtown and French Quarter. Mayor Ray Nagin is estimating that 80% of the city has been flooded. WWL-TV provides continuing updates on its Katrina Blog.

12:02 PM ET - WWL-TV says that a break in 17th Street Canal Levee is 200 feet wide and water from it is gradually inundating the city.

12:16 PM ET - WWL-TV reports that martial law is now in effect in Plaquemines Parish southwest of New Orleans, where 60% of homes are said to be flooded; persons found on the streets there will be arrested. WWL-TV is broadcasting live video via KHOU in Houston. Some looting has begun in New Orleans, according to AP.

Also, go read this bit from Attytood, which I cannot quote enough of. Not only is there little in the way of military support for the rescue effort (as of this writing, Bush is still. on. vacation.), but funds to prepare for such a disaster have been reduced over the years by Bush's budgets.

I'm guessing the FEMA and Army Corps of Engineer chiefs will get some medals and/or promotions for this, just like Bremer receiving commendations for the sterling success that is Iraq. Up truly is down.