Traces of cyanide found in Louisiana city's water

Traces of cyanide were found in the water supply of Hammond, La., Tuesday - the first discovery of poison since telephoned threats this week deprived nearly 250,000 residents of drinking water.

Five other cities reported threats of contamination Tuesday - including an out-of-state report from Brazil, Ind.

Hammond Mayor Debbie Pope urged citizens of her city not to panic - that the amount of cyanide found seemed to be intentionally placed in the system but was too small to be dangerous. The Hammond system was flushed with chlorine, although the effectiveness of the remedy was uncertain.