Isaac lashes New Orleans on Katrina anniversary

Hurricane Isaac is lashing New Orleans as it approaches, and it is pushing flood waters over a rural levee south of the city, where authorities believe some people may be trapped.

The U.S. National Hurricane Centre says the storm's centre early Wednesday was about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south-southwest of New Orleans and moving slowly.

The storm is hitting seven years to the day after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, but it is far less strong.

Authorities say a storm surge topped a 29-km stretch of flood wall in a thinly populated part of Plaquemines Parish. The levee is not part of New Orleans' defences.

Plaquemines officials believe some people may be trapped in their homes. Strong wind was hampering rescue efforts.


 

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