(Newser)
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Only two-thirds of the population of New Orleans has returned since Hurricane Katrina destroyed large parts of the city two years ago—but crime has returned full force. The murder rate in the Big Easy is rocketing, crime is a constant fear among citizens and many are arming themselves for protection, Reuters reports.
Drug dealers fight turf wars in the ruined neighborhoods, and criminals are flooding New Orleans because the judicial system is in shambles. "This city's survival depends on getting a handle on violent crime," said one US attorney. "Katrina didn't create the problems we face today, although it certainly exacerbated them."
