Worst Natural Disaster in United States' History; Scores Killed by Hurricane Katrina

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Byline: BY VICTORIA WARD

AN URGENT appeal for financial aid was made last night as the United States began to come to terms with the true extent of the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.

In what could prove to be the worst natural disaster ever to hit the US, an estimated 80 people have been killed. It is feared that number will rise.

Hundreds of thousands of people across Louisiana and Mississippi have been made homeless as distressing images of the storm-hit area are beamed around the world.

Several observers have said the area looks like a "war zone".

Described as a "truly catastrophic event", the storm turned much of the Gulf …