Aerial View of Superdome Before and After Hurricane Katrina

by Kevin Caruso

August 31, 2005

Hurricane Katrina survivors who are currently staying in the New Orleans Superdome will soon be evacuated to the Houston Astrodome.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said the 40-year-old Astrodome is "not suited well" for such a large crowd long-term, but officials are prepared to house the displaced New Orleanians as long as possible.

"This is a city of 20,000 people that is going to be here for a while," Eckels said. "The Dome will be fine for a few days. It could even go for weeks for some of these folks."

Cots and blankets have put in place in the Astrodome to accommodate up to 25,000 people.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be providing 500 buses to transfer the survivors.

The first bus is expected to arrive at the Astrodome on Wednesday, August 31st.