Gustav flood threat lessens

The so-called 'storm of the century' has weakened. Hurricane Gustav was downgraded from a category three storm to category two today as it approached the coast of Louisiana, now largely deserted after the evacuation of 1.9 million people from New Orleans and other coastal communities. The prediction at 5.0pm BST was that the eye of the storm could pass to the west of the city.

Even at category two, however, winds of 95-110 mph can be expected, which could create a storm surge of around 2-3 metres, enough to breech levees and partially flood the city yet to recover from Hurricane Katrina three years ago. Only about 10,000 people remain in the city, which has been described as a ghost town.

The entire 7,000-strong Louisiana National Guard and 16,000 reservists from neighbouring states have been mobilised to prevent looting (above). Looters have been warned they will be sent to Louisiana's main prison, the feared Angola penitentiary, if they are caught stealing.