The entire West Bank portion of the city not only has power and water, but never was flooded! Take a look at the pictures! The area directly opposite downtown NOLA across the Mississippi River is still a part of the city of New Orleans!
Any idea as to why those residents are being strong armed to evacuate? This was my question yesterday on the thread I just cross referenced here.
There was a person that was interviewed on the radio yesterday from a dry area. He had stockpiled supplies and power. This is why he was staying. To guard his property.
Just as New York City is pictured by most of the nation as Manhattan.
When I lived there in 1975(worked for Exxon) all the engineers lived on the "West Bank". Evidently with good reason.