Millions flee wrath of Hurricane Ivan

Hurricane Ivan claimed its first lives in the United States today, hours before the eye of the massive storm came ashore.

Spin-off tornadoes killed two people in Florida as the 135mph winds of “Ivan the Terrible” approached.

More than two million people have fled coastal areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

The White House said President George Bush had spoken to the governors of those states about their preparations and to offer aid.

Ivan has already torn a path of destruction through the Caribbean, leaving nearly 70 people dead in its wake.

Forecasters brought some good news for the people of New Orleans, with latest projections suggesting that the eye of the hurricane would hit land further east.

If it took a direct hit, New Orleans could become swamped under a 20ft storm surge, mixed with a toxic cocktail of sewage, chemicals and natural gas from nearby facilities.

Just a small change in the hurricane’s trajectory could bring it ashore directly over the city, which lies below sea level.

Walter Maestri, an emergency manager in New Orleans, told the Houston Chronicle yesterday that he had 10,000 body bags ready in case of disaster.

He said if Ivan remained a Category Four storm and hit New Orleans, 50,000 people could drown, and the city could effectively be destroyed.

“This could be The One. You’re talking about the potential loss of a major metropolitan area,” he told the newspaper.

Those who were unable to leave New Orleans have been told to prepare for a “vertical evacuation” – climbing to the top of high buildings.

A last resort shelter was created in the city’s Louisiana Superdome centre.

Latest forecasts suggest that that eye of Ivan would make landfall over Alabama, specifically over the town of Mobile.

Mandatory curfews were in place there overnight, with only emergency vehicles on the roads.

In Florida, monster waves up to 25 feet high have already destroyed coastal homes.

Tornadoes spun off from the hurricane killing two people in separate incidents in Panama City. Emergency workers were looking for other victims.

Some predictions suggest the storm may even grow to become a top strength Category Five hurricane, with 160mph winds, by the time it hits land.

“I beg people on the coast: Do not ride this storm out,” said Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.

In Alabama, Governor Bob Riley ordered the evacuation of coastal resorts.

“This is a serious storm that requires serious action to get people out of harm’s way,” he said.

Meanwhile, tropical Storm Jeanne, which is approaching Puerto Rico, is also threatening to turn into a hurricane.

Winds of 70mph have already been recorded.

Meteorologist Hector Guerrero, of the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami said: “The biggest concern for Puerto Rico is flash flooding and mudslides.

“Many die from inland flooding from tropical systems. It’s the number one killer in the United States in relationship to all storms.” All ports on the island were closed and alcohol sales were banned.

Hundreds of people have already taken refuge in hurricane shelters, island officials said.