Originally Posted by 2257-Ben

Because New Orleans was a relatively poor city. Most people working at minimum wage and many didn't have cars so they could evacuate. Others were old or infirm and couldn't get out on their own power. And then there's the element of stupidity that dictates survival of the fittest. Just as weak or sick animals in herds die or get killed off, weak or stupid human beings will also succumb to the basic laws of nature.