This is a Q/A session with the Army Corps of Engineers - and it sounds like the "Best Case" scenario is pretty tough. Never mind that the caveats thrown out are pretty big. There is simply no telling when - or, to be really pessimistic if - New Orleans will recover.

It could get worse too - have a look at this story - here's the kicker:

Once the levees are fixed, Maj. Gen. Don Riley of the Army Corps of Engineers said, it could take close to a month to get the water out of the city. If the water rises a few feet higher, it could also wipe out the water system for the whole city, said New Orleans' homeland security chief, Terry Ebbert.

Thus far, they have had little luck plugging the holes in the levees - and the water is still rising. I understand why the Governor of Louisiana has a "deer in the headlights" look when she speaks in public - it must be horrible to be in charge of a state, and be utterly powerless against this sort of thing. All we can do now is donate to the Red Cross, and pray that the experts can get those holes patched.