Hurricane Katrina: Why is the Red Cross not in New Orleans?

    Acess to New Orleans is controlled by the National Guard 
    and local authorities and while we are in constant 
    contact with them, we simply cannot enter New Orleans 
    against their orders. 

    The state Homeland Security Department had requested--and 
    continues to request--that the American Red Cross not 
    come back into New Orleans following the hurricane. Our 
    presence would keep people from evacuating and encourage 
    others to come into the city.