But the death toll is expected to reach into the thousands. Louisiana Senator David Vitter said 10,000 people might have died in Louisiana alone. Rooftop rescues continue. On Saturday alone law enforcement agencies fielded about 1,000 distress 911 calls from people still trapped in attics of buildings surrounded by water. 500,000 people have now been displaced from their homes. 20 states have opened up shelters, homes and schools to those who have evacuated from the Gulf region.