A supply truck carrying food, water and medical supplies was reportedly held up at gunpoint, while thieves used a forklift to break open a pharmacy. A state police truck carrying food was also chased by gangs.

Clothing and jewellery stores, casinos, drug stores, McDonald's outlets -- they have all been ransacked. In some cases, the looting has been carried out in full view of the police.

Also read: Hurricane slams US Coast

In the picture: Petra Button (centre) hugs Lewis Grant Martin, after seeing him for the first time since the hurricane in Gulfport, Mississippi. Caldero is from Florida and he came along with other firefighters from across the country to assist in the recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Photograph: Ross Taylor/Getty Images