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New Orleans Evacuess Skeptical of Returning

Mayor Ray Nagin is urging New Orleans hurricane evacuees to return to the city. Three months after Hurricane Katrina sent citizens out of New Orleans, many are still very skeptical about the living conditions in the crushed city. What once was a jumping, party town now is quiet and mournful.

The mayor cautions that with debris still lining roads and yards, and the city facing a critical budget shortfall, returning residents will face at least another six months of difficulties. Many are skeptical of Nagin`s claims and remain frustrated over the lack of a consistent message from authorities about living conditions in New Orleans.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at least 44,000 families who fled hurricanes Katrina and Rita are living in Georgia, where Nagin came to hold a Town Hall meeting. Nagin told the audience electricity is available to 70 percent of New Orleans, drinking water is safe and emergency services are available. He says 1,100 businesses are operational.