New Orleans Mayor ordered evacuation

New Orleans authorities today began to forcibly evacuate the 10,000 residents refusing to move more than a week after Hurricane Katrina flooded 80% of the city.

Mayor Ray Nagin Tuesrday gave orders that only relief workers could remain behind for the clean-up, and 5,000 paratroopers were dispatched in small boats to find and rescue anyone still left behind.

Gas leaks and disease carried by the floodwaters could carry a serious risk to anyone remaining in the city, Nagin said in a radio message to remaining residents.