He Tried to Escape Katrina, but Ran Out of Gas. At the Superdome, He Saw Things Go from Bad to Worse — and Filmed it All 

Katrina Survivor Documents Chaos and Resilience in the Superdome

Shelton Alexander, a resident of St. Bernard’s Parish in New Orleans, bore witness to the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Equipped with his mini SonyDV Camcorder, originally intended for recording slam poetry, Alexander found himself capturing the harrowing experiences within the Louisiana Superdome as the natural disaster struck. The filming chronicles scenes of overflowing sewage, stifling humidity, and the darkness that shrouded the stadium where approximately 30,000 sought refuge.

Reflecting on his ordeal two decades later, Alexander’s emotions are still raw as he recalls the chaotic aftermath of the hurricane. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he vividly remembers the confusion, lack of information, and the constant presence of circling helicopters above the Superdome. The impact of the traumatic events remains etched in his memory, with Alexander expressing that some wounds inflicted by the disaster may never fully heal.

Alexander’s roots in faith and community provided him with a strong foundation to navigate the tumultuous events of Hurricane Katrina. Growing up in a deeply spiritual environment, with his father establishing a local church, Alexander’s upbringing instilled in him a sense of resilience that helped sustain him through the trials he faced during the storm. His background in the Marines further honed his ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.

As Hurricane Katrina approached, Alexander’s intuition urged him to leave New Orleans to seek safety in Baton Rouge. However, his escape plans were thwarted as he ran out of gas while attempting to evacuate the city. Subsequently, he found himself seeking shelter in the Superdome, a decision made under the assumption that the massive structure would provide security and refuge amidst the escalating crisis.

Inside the Superdome, conditions rapidly deteriorated as essential services faltered, leaving inhabitants grappling with uncertainty and discomfort. Alexander’s footage captures the escalating challenges faced by those seeking shelter within the stadium, including sanitation issues, lack of information, and a pervasive sense of helplessness. Despite the adversity, Alexander’s account dispels misconceptions about violence within the Superdome, highlighting the community’s collective resilience in the face of adversity.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina left a lasting impact on Alexander, prompting him to reflect on the slow and arduous process of rebuilding and recovery in the storm’s wake. His relocation to Houston in 2019 marked a new chapter in his life, yet the memories of Katrina continue to shape his perspective on resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of community in the face of disaster. Through his storytelling and documentation, Alexander serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and perseverance displayed by individuals in times of crisis.

As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of natural disasters, Alexander’s story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of community support, faith, and perseverance in overcoming even the most challenging circumstances.