Evacuees are being decorously dressed. The US Customs service has released impounded clothes worth £75 million and bearing fake designer labels for distribution in temporary shelters including the Houston Astrodome, renamed Astro City to bolster civic pride.

But will they ever leave? Barbara Bush, the former First Lady, risked adding insult to homelessness by suggesting that some of Katrina’s victims have never had it so good. “So many of the people here, you know, were underprivileged anyway,” she said on a tour of Houston, “so this is working very well for them.”

Drinkers find cheer in chaos

“I believe this city is coming back,” says Jim Monaghan, who never left. He owns Molly’s bar in the French Quarter, which reopened the day after the hurricane and has stayed open ever since.

Likewise Johnny White’s, an open air cocktail bar whose die-hard patrons were told by police who drew a line round its perimeter: “We have a makeshift jail. You cross this line, we’ll take your ass there.”

The New Orleans gay pride parade went ahead. More than 20 marchers set off from the (closed) Golden Lantern in search of revellery, and found it at Johnny White’s. “We’re all happy,” one said.

Bottle message shows spirit

Curt Belton, a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent in charge of boats touring the city, told of a message found in a wine bottle drifting in floodwaters. “To whom it may concern: Please send with immediately, (one) ice cold chest of Coors Light. I’m out at this time. Down to wine. Some shrimp and oysters would also be appreciated. Thank you,” said the note, which gave an address.

The patrol found the author sitting on his front porch. Between sips of wine, he told them he was staying. Mr Belton said that he was going to frame the note because it was “pure New Orleans”.

Explore World News

• World Agenda

• Iraq News

• US & Americas News

• Europe News

• Middle East News

• Asia News

• Africa News

• Ireland News

Times Recommends

• Rio Tinto four held as China prepares case
• Diplomats must keep heads down and trousers up
• When in Rome should one make like Berlusconi?