The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in central Louisiana has turned its convention center into a refuge for people fleeing the devastating Hurricane Katrina.

The tribe has been housing 500 evacuees since Sunday morning, a spokesperson told Indian Country Today. Some are unable to return to New Orleans, located 300 miles southeast, due to massive flooding and destruction in the city.

According to news reports, 80 percent of New Orleans is flooded, with waters as high as 20 feet in some places. The city, already under an evacuation order, is being evacuated yet again of any remaining refugees.

Other areas of Mississippi have been hit hard. ICT tried to reach other tribes in the area, including the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, but said it couldn't get through.

Get the Story:
Tunica-Biloxi open doors to hurricane refugees (Indian Country Today 8/30)
Much of Gulf Coast Is Crippled; Death Toll Rises After Hurricane (The New York Times 8/31)
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Looting, Fires And a Second Evacuation (The Washington Post 8/31)
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