A full blackout for 2.1 million Gulf Coast homes

GULF COAST, U.S.A. - Hurricane Katrina left millions of Gulf Coast residents in the dark as the churning storm knocked out power lines and flooded power stations across much of the region.

Electric companies from around the country began rushing crews to the area to help restore power to an area so devastated that it could be weeks or even months before the lights come back on in many places.

More than 2.1 million customers were in the dark recently from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, according to estimates posted on company websites from Entergy Corp., Cleco Corp. and Southern Co., parent companies of utilities in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

"It's catastrophic. Working conditions are hazardous. It's hot and humid," said David Botkins, a spokesman for Dominion Virginia Power, which sent 200 workers to the region.

"The entire grid system in these areas is completely ruined," he said.

Floodwaters will need to drain before power crews can work.

In a mutual aid arrangement, American companies are sending workers by the dozens and the hundreds to assess damage, erect power poles, put up lines, clear debris, trim trees and arrange housing for fellow workers.

Columbus-based American Electric Power Co., the nation's largest power generator, has dispatched 1,000 workers, while North Carolina utilities contributed at least 1,800 workers. Some have been told they will be gone at least two weeks.

Entergy vice-president Curt Hebert Jr. told CNN that there is no way to put a time frame on when power will be restored.

"Many of the areas are still flooded and the water is rising," he said. "This is going to be a long, drawn-out process."

A Hydro One spokesperson said last night the Ontario utility has a reciprocal agreement with the affected states and would provide assistance if asked. For now, New Orleans lacks both power and drinkable water.