Engineers pumped much of the remaining floodwater out of New Orleans as tens of thousands of residents continued returning to dry neighbourhoods to check on houses and reopen businesses.

As flood waters receded, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin authorised police and the US military to force the evacuation of all residents who refuse to heed orders to leave the dark, dangerous city.

The Kinks frontman Ray Davies was recovering yesterday after being shot in the leg by a mugger.

The Kinks front man Ray Davies was recovering today after being shot in the leg by a mugger, US police said.