[Warren_Piece]

but the structures and the foundations are largely intact. They will remain so no matter how deep the city floods, provided the water rises at a slow or moderate rate.

Draining the city will take however long it takes, but so far the steel and concrete backbone of New Orleans is mostly intact.

I have lost a house in a fire. I know what water damage does. There is nothing to do but tear the structure down to the foundation and start over again. Imagine that with a whole city. This is unimaginable.

[jeffers]

Depending on how long a wood frame structure is immersed, the frame can still be ok. Steel frames and skinned commercial buildings will fare better.