Successful evacuation procedures are thought to have spared the lives of many despite the destruction of hurricane Rita along America's Gulf coast region.
Evacuees are just now returning to their homes after being hit for the second time this month by a major storm.
Flood waters between 2 and 12 feet deep intruded up to 30 miles from the shore, according to the <i>Boston Globe</i>.
The Louisiana National Guard reported that about 900 people had been rescued and that two deaths blamed on the storm. A Mississippi woman was also killed by a tornado and a Texas killed by a falling tree.
Reports suggest that insurance damage will reach $6 billion in the wake of Hurricane Rita, as opposed to $60 billion from Hurricane Katrina.
