I checked the last two pages and didn't see anyone mention that two Chronicle reporters have a blog from inside the Dome: http://blogs.chron.com/domeblog/. It's only been up for a few hours, but I think it already helps explain why the 25,000 number didn't pan out... restrooms already shutting down... food running out. Bless those of you who went to volunteer. Houston is the best.
How about you be led to a place for "safety" and see how you react to being left there with no food, water and security in an abandoned city for several days. Think you will be all cool and wonderful then? Blaming people for acting ugly in this situation is like blaming soldiers for killing.
They just announced on the news here in Austin that they will begin housing people in Reliant stadium - they est. the Astrodome was full at 11,000 (per the report). This is a great move - no need to overcrowd with that giant stadium right there.
Actually they're using Reliant Arena, which used to be called the AstroArena. I don't think they will touch Reliant Stadium.
Fox News reporter is saying that New Orleans refugees are expecting relief and instead being greeted with a "slap in the face." He says there need 500 more volunteers and those coming are being turned away. I know alot of this news is old, but this is what the rest of the country in hearing about what the refugees are getting when they finally get to Houston. Pretty much the same sentiment is being given from CNN and Miles O'Brien. It's sad that whoever is running things down there turned away so many volunteers and food yesterday that they now desperately need.
Good lord, I was thinking about this, how people who came to help were turned away. There was a guy who came in a food truck and had tons of hot dogs already cooked and they sent him away. Whoever turned the help away needs to man up and apologize and ask for more help.
It's Reliant Arena, not Stadium, that's being opened. I don't think the national media knows the difference. Also they will be using Reliant Center, the new convention center, to house some evacuees. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/3335968 http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou050902_cd_domefull.19cfe10f.html EDIT: I think there seems to be a bit of confusion with the media as well. In the KHOU article, it says: Instead of sending arriving buses away to other shelters, however, officials decided early Friday to process the refugees there and begin housing nearly 2,000 people in the adjacent Reliant Center, where the Houston Texans play football, said Houston press secretary Patrick Trahan. The Reliant Center is next to Reliant Stadium and it is a convention center.
My church has been in contact with the Red Cross about being a shelter. We were told they were not in need of shelters. That they had 700 more beds than they needed then. They said they would let us know if the situation changed. The Red Cross runs the show here, gang. They make the call on shelter capacity. They're the experts. If we become a shelter, we will need volunteers. I don't think my little church could accomodate more than about 50 people. But you have to man the place 24/7. I'll keep you all posted on that...and provide opportunities to volunteer for those of you who are interested.
Stupid question, but didn't anyone tell the fire marshall how many people were or could be coming beforehand?
one would reasonably expect so, but considering the lack of communication between other authorities in this time of crisis....it wouldnt surprise me if they didnt. thankfully, they appear to be tryin to make up for it by using other facilities. You certainly cant say that we arent at least trying to help....and Im thankful for that.
I am hearing reports of 3 rapes and gunfire at the Astrodome yesterday. I am also hearing that these people are wandering around the streets outside the dome. Can anyone confirm this?
In a Chronicle blog there is a rumor that a child was raped in the Astrodome. There is no sense yet if this was a true occurance or paranoia. http://blogs.chron.com/domeblog/ It didn't take long to fill the 'dome Reports are coming in that the Astrodome is full and will not accept anymore Katrina victims. As some people are settling in for the night, more are being turned away from the Astrodome - a place they believed they would find a soft bed and a warm meal. People are peacefully sleeping even though the lights are extremely bright, Eric said. A few minutes ago Eric observed a long line of cops who went charging out the front. He reports that ample police and security officers are guarding the stadium. When he tried to follow the action, he was stopped at the door. They wouldn't let anyone out. Later he heard horrifying rumors of a child being raped, and no one could verify the event or if the child was male or female. The problem Eric said is that everyone is free to move around and it's impossible to monitor everyone's movements. I can see a lot of hiding places - there are no barriers to keep people from wandering. They're using the marquees as a means to communicate with people and help them search for loved ones. When matches are made they make announcements over the loudspeakers. THIS MESSAGE JUST CAME IN A LITTLE WHILE AGO FROM HOWARD DECKER IN THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE NEWS ROOM The Astrodome has reached maximum capacity this evening as it houses the latest arrivals from the New Orleans Superdome. Emergency management personnel have started efforts to assist authorities in securing the health, safety and welfare of the victims still in Louisiana, evacuees already inside the Astrodome and relief workers by working with local authorities to accommodate any special transportation needs. The American Red Cross hotline number for victims needing shelters in the Houston area is 1-866-GET-INFO.
The report in the Dome is from Chronicle reporter Eric Harrison , the blog by Chronicle blogger Helen Eriksen.
They're now planning to open the George R Brown as a shelter. Ch 13 news says we estimates are we now have over 100,000 refugees here in Houston. Wow.
