25,000 Katrina Survivors Endure Superdome for Five Days Without Aid

New Orleans Superdome became a refuge of last resort for approximately 25,000 predominantly Black residents — many elderly, disabled, or carless — who could not evacuate. Federal aid was delayed for five days. Conditions deteriorated severely: no functioning toilets, inadequate food and water, no medical care. FEMA Director Michael Brown's slow response drew accusations of racial indifference from officials including Rep. Elijah Cummings.