[Mike Darancette]

Quote from Terry Ebbert, New Orleans' homeland security chief, August 31, 2005 to the AP:

"It's a very slow rise, and it will remain so until we plug that breach. I think we can get it stabilized in a few hours," Terry Ebbert, New Orleans' homeland security chief told The Associated Press.

SOURCE: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125454082610_27/?hub=TopStories

[Mike Darancette]

This Ebbert guy doesn't appear in the time line at all. His statement, if given to the responders would explain why the break was played down early.