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Last updated: 8 july, 2010 - 11:02 GMT

The New Orleans Superdome

The Superdome, New Orleans

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It is almost five years since Hurricane Katrina wreaked devastation on the lives of Louisianans - and the people of New Orleans are still clearing up.

Towards the end of August 2005, 1,800 people died when the city's flood defences collapsed and sea water cascaded through the streets and into houses.

Many residents fled from the fury of the oncoming storm and, even now, a third of the population of New Orleans has not returned.

Doug Thornton, manager of the Superdome

At the height of the tumult the city's central sports stadium, the Superdome, became a place of refuge.

Many thousands of people who could not leave the city, including the elderly, poor and ill, waited out the storm there.

For Outlook, Matthew Bannister visited New Orleans to hear the story of that iconic building and the people it sheltered.

Matthew and Benny Vanderklis, security chief, in the Superdome.

Matthew and Benny Vanderklis, security chief, in the Superdome.

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