The top news story for all the Russian news agencies for the past few days has been the dramatic situation in New Orleans. Russians are very sympathetic to the citizens of that city, and everyone across the ocean is watching the rescue operations' progress.

Among the people trying to get rescued there are 30 Russian students trapped by floodwaters. The students are in the US on the Work & Travel exchange program. The purpose of the program is to give a better understanding to the foreigners about the way life in America works. College students come and work seasonal jobs in summer camps, resorts, and restaurants. When they are done with the job, they travel around the U.S. for few weeks before heading back home.

Thirty students yesterday called their parents in Russia, saying that they are under seige by the floodwaters. As the water level keeps on rising, the students settled in on the seventh floor of their building.

Russian people are praying for the citizens of Louisiana, and for the City of New Orleans.