There are a few voices which have managed to be heard outside of the flood zone.

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We set up shop with my in-laws in Picayune, Mississippi, only an hour from New Orleans but safely above the flood zone.

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Yet residents in the flood zone say they must balance a number of concerns as they decide what to do.

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The agency has since reviewed its flood zone in the area, but Mr Higgins said he intended to go ahead with the idea.

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Mr Higgins said his decision to still go ahead with the plans since the flood zone was altered was "a little bit political".

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Social media, as well as more traditional, battery driven radios kept people in the flood zone in touch with up-to-date information and support.

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Mr. Holloway and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs introduced the new flood-zone map Friday as part of the city's Hurricane Sandy After Action report, an overview of the emergency response to one of the worst storms in New York City's history.

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Also included in the report was a survey of residents in Zone A, the city's most flood-prone areas whose 375, 000 residents were under a mandatory evacuation order during Sandy.

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