On [?] 28th 2005 the population of New Orleans was ordered to their homes when Hurricane Katrina gained strength in the [?] and threatened to cause havoc in Louisiana. New Orleans is [?] below sea level. Up to percent of New Orleans was flooded after the defence barriers, called [?], failed to work. Many residents were forced onto rooftops to seek help from rescue helicopters. Thousands of people sought refuge in the [?]. Winds of more than 100 miles an hour tore the roof off the superdome. Water and food ran short and facilities soon broke down. Two days after the hurricane a was declared. was criticised for not acting quickly enough. The worst hit areas were the low lying [?] areas; the area on [?] where the wealthier people lived were less affected. It will take years to rebuild New Orleans and some people are not sure it should be rebuilt at all.