Fast Facts: Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina's effects, at a glance:

LOUISIANA:

—Deaths: The mayor said the hurricane probably killed thousands of people in New Orleans — an estimate that, if accurate, would make the storm the nation's deadliest natural disaster since at least the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Relief crews put aside the counting of bodies to concentrate on rescuing the living, many trapped on rooftops and in attics.

—Estimated 80 percent of New Orleans (search) under water, up to 20 feet deep in places. Water still rising as engineers struggle to plug two breached levees along Lake Pontchartrain with giant sandbags.

—Authorities drew up plans to clear out the tens of thousands of people left in the Big Easy and all but abandon the flooded-out city. Many of the evacuees — including thousands now staying in the Superdome — will be moved to the Astrodome in Houston, 350 miles away.

—Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu (search) said 3,000 people rescued by boat and air.

—Sections of Interstate 10, only major freeway leading into New Orleans from the east, destroyed.

—At least 713,000 customers estimated without power.

—BellSouth Corp. (search), the region's dominant local phone provider, estimated that about 750,000 lines may be out of service in the most heavily damaged areas.

—Looting broke out in some New Orleans neighborhoods. Thieves took guns from a Wal-Mart. One police officer shot in the head by looter but expected to recover. Looters also used a forklift to smash open a pharmacy. City officials themselves commandeered equipment from a looted Office Depot. During a state of emergency, authorities have broad powers to take private supplies and buildings for their use.

—Quote: "You know, it's not like people are just there because they want to be there. They're there because they're trapped in the city." — Gov. Kathleen Blanco on ABC "Good Morning America"

MISSISSIPPI:

—Deaths: At least 110.

—More than 236,000 customers without power.

—Hundreds of waterfront homes, businesses, community landmarks and condominiums obliterated.

—Casinos built on barges along the coast damaged or destroyed, some floated across beach onto land. Dozen casinos employed about 14,000 people, generated $2.7 billion in annual revenue.

—More than 1,600 Mississippi National Guardsmen activated.

—Major bridges damaged in three coastal counties, including those linking Biloxi with Ocean Springs and the connection to Bay St. Louis.

—Looters picked through casino slot machines for coins and ransacked other businesses.

—Quote: "It is indescribable — blocks and blocks and blocks of no houses. Ninety percent of the structures are gone. I saw Camille and the aftermath in 1969 and this is worst than Camille." Gov. Haley Barbour on NBC's "Today." Camille killed 143 and destroyed 6,000 homes.

ALABAMA:

—Deaths: Two.

—About 325,000 homes and businesses without power.

—Flooding reached 11 feet in Mobile, matching record set in 1917, according to National Weather Service. Water up to roofs of cars in downtown Mobile and bayou communities. Piers ransacked and grand homes flooded along Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.

—Major bridge over the Mobile River partially reopened; it was struck by oil drilling platform that floated away from a shipyard.

FLORIDA:

—Deaths: 11.

—About 80,700 customers without power.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:

—President Bush cut Texas vacation to return to Washington.

—Federal Emergency Management Agency sent medical teams, rescue squads and groups prepared to supply food and water into disaster areas.

—Navy sent four ships to the Gulf Coast with water, other supplies.

OIL MARKETS:

—Crude oil prices dropped to a little below $70 a barrel after U.S. government decided to make petroleum available from strategic reserve.

—Oil and gas companies found some Gulf of Mexico oil rigs as far as 17 miles from their original locations.