Times writer, Ralph Vartabedian reports that the "massive levee system protecting New Orleans has sustained heavy damage well beyond the five breaches that are widely known to have caused [the] flooding..."

According to Army Officials this leaves portions of New Orleans with "little or no protection" midway through this hurricane season. It is estimated it will take years to restore, and strengthen the levee system, which will leave New Orleans vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding for years to come.

COL Richard Wagenaar, Army Corps' head engineer for the New Orleans district estimates 90% of levee system on the eastern flank has been knocked out.

--My suggestion: Concentrate more on rebuilding and strengthening the levees than rebuilding the city proper.