<P> The Superdome was built to withstand most catastrophes . The roof was estimated to be able to withstand winds with speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km / h) but flood waters could still possibly reach the second level 20 feet (6.1 m) from the ground, making the structure an unreliable shelter in severe rain and wind . When looking into the origins of the claims about 200 mph (320 km / h) wind security in the Superdome, CNN reported that no engineering study had ever been completed on the amount of wind the structure could withstand . The building's engineering study was underway as Hurricane Katrina approached and was put on hold . It was used as an emergency shelter although it was neither designed nor tested for the task . However, the damage to the roof was not catastrophic, with just two relatively small holes and the ripping off of most of the easily replaceable white rubber membrane on the outer layer . </P> <P> On August 29, 2005, at about 9: 00 AM EDT, reports from inside the Superdome were that part of the roof was "peeling off," daylight could be seen from inside the dome, and rain was pouring in . The Associated Press stated there were two holes, "each about 15 to 20 feet (6.1 m) long and 4 to 5 feet (1.5 m) wide," and that water was making its way in at elevator shafts and other small openings . The same morning, during an interview on ABC news, Governor Kathleen Blanco called the Superdome shelter strategy an "experiment," when asked if it could hold the storm or the flood . </P> <P> Despite the planned use of the Superdome as an evacuation center, government officials at the local, state and federal level were criticized for poor planning and preparation . On August 28, the Louisiana National Guard delivered three truckloads of water and seven truckloads of MREs (meals ready to eat), enough to supply 15,000 people for three days . However, there was no water purification equipment on site, nor any chemical toilets, antibiotics, or anti-diarrheals stored for a crisis . There were no designated medical staff at work in the evacuation center, no established sick bay within the Superdome, and very few cots available that hadn't been brought in by evacuees . The mayor of New Orleans had stated that as a "refuge of last resort," only limited food, water, and supplies would be provided . Residents who evacuated to the Superdome were warned to bring their own supplies . According to many, the smell inside the stadium was revolting due to the breakdown of hygiene, urinals, and plumbing . </P> <P> When the flooding began on August 30, the Superdome began to fill slowly with water, though it remained confined to the field level . Later that day, Governor Blanco ordered New Orleans completely evacuated . On August 31, it was announced that the Superdome evacuees would move to the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas . With no power and no water, sanitary conditions within the Superdome had rapidly deteriorated . </P>

What happened in the stadium during hurricane katrina