That many people will be needed to carry on the relief effort, which is expected to last for months. The Red Cross is currently operating 675 shelters in 23 states and the District of Columbia and needs volunteers to undergo training to keep the shelters open.

"This is a disaster of such scope and significance, it is not going to go away in a few weeks or even a few months," he said. "We've never had a recruitment drive in the history of the Red Cross for 40,000 volunteers."

Around the World

American volunteers have been helped by volunteers from around the world who have flown in to lend a hand. More than 340 volunteers have come from Europe and Canada.

And individuals and governments around the world are sending assistance to the Gulf Coast, with contributions ranging from an elderly woman's life savings in Lithuania of 1,000 euros to South Korea, which offered 2 tons of disposable diapers.

"It's all very, very welcome and very much appreciated," Joseph Sullivan, US ambassador to Zimbabwe, said of the offerings of help.

He said 115 countries and 12 international organizations have contributed to the cause, totaling an estimated $700 million in supplies and cash. About $460 million has been cash contributions through organizations such as the American Red Cross and the fund overseen by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush.

Rescue and Recovery

Despite early reports of more than 1,000 foreign citizens listed as missing in the hurricane aftermath, Sullivan said nine have been confirmed dead. And the list of missing is down to a few hundred.

Rescue and recovery efforts continued at their highest level, officials said. So far no one has been forced to evacuate a home. Louisiana state police spokesman Johnnie Brown said they do not know how many people have refused to evacuate.