Some selected updates from the devastation in New Orleans (via BoingBoing) :

8:39 A.M. WWL-TV studios are being evacuated as rising water is coming into the station. The French Quarter is taking on water and water is expected to rise in the city for the next few days.

9:35 A.M. Marshal Law in effect in Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish. 60 percent of homes in Plaquemines Parish under water.

10:15 A.M. A spokeswoman describes Jefferson Parish as a “very dangerous” place. Jackie Bauer says there’s gas leaks everywhere, water needs to be boiled, there’s no commercial power, no pumping stations and the water’s toxic.

And there’s still some deep water in some neighborhoods. Bauer says there are other dangers — snakes in the water, other vermin, loose dogs and cats everywhere. She says — quoting now — “We kind of have to fight for survival with them.” – Associated Press

10:35 A.M. Governor Blanco – “Worse than our worst fears.”

10:42 A.M. – Rising waters continue in N.O. due to failed pumps and breached levees at the 17th Street Canal and the Ninth Ward. Rising waters caused one hospital to evacuate patients to the Louisiana Superdome.

11:01 A.M. – Break in 17th Street Canal Levee is now 200 feet wide and slowly flooding the City of New Orleans. Huge sand bags are being airlifted to try to stem the rush of water in that area.

11:13 A.M. – Plaquemines Parish…if you are found on the street…will be arrested. Marshall law in effect. 60 percent of homes flooded. 50 people rescued.

11:16 A.M. – Gretna Police Chief…some people south of Gretna Blvd. trapped in water in homes, waiting to be rescued, but believed safe. Several looters arrested, chief says about 50. Lots of debris, at least some structural damage in 95 to 98 percent of buildings. Water is off in Gretna due to barge that was hit and dumped diesel into water supply. Plenty of homes with structural damage…a few that have collapsed. As far as police chief knows, No deaths in Gretna, two minor injuries. Chief says looting has been mainly for groceries. Law enforcement given “whatever authority they need” to prevent looting of homes.

11:21 A.M. (AP) – The White House says President Bush is cutting short his vacation to return to Washington to monitor the hurricane recovery efforts.

11:39 A.M. (AP) – National Guardsmen brought in people from outlying areas to the Superdome in the backs of big 2 1/2-ton Army trucks. Louisiana’s wildlife enforcement department also brought people in on the backs of their pickups. Some were wet, some were in wheelchairs, some were holding babies and nothing else.

11:43 A.M. – Councilman Byron Lee of Jefferson Parish, “This is not life as it used to be. It’s like a war zone.”

11:46 A.M. – (AP) The president asked individual Americans to get involved with the relief effort, suggesting anyone who wishes to help could call 1-800-HELPNOW, log on to the Red Cross Web site or get in touch with the Salvation Army.

11:54 A.M. – Kenner mayor asking for more National Guard. Asks anyone with the guard to call 468-7200.

12:45 P.M. – Reports of looting in downtown New Orleans of drugstores. Reports people rushing out with grocery carts of food, soft drinks and diapers. Ripped open steel gates at some Canal Street stores taking clothing.

12:50 P.M. - St. John Parish hospital closed at this time. Water working but must be boiled. Parish president Nickie Monica asks residents who have evacuated to stay out. Good News, no major structural damage. Monica says schools and offices closed until further notice. He asks that St. John Parish be made a priority to be used as a staging area for other parishes that suffered worse fates. 911 not working…EMERGENCIES IN ST. JOHN PARISH…1-985-652-6338, 1-985-536-2112…west bank 1-985-497-3321.

Please donate to the Red cross by either clicking here or calling 1-800-HELP-NOW.