Katrina Britons 'fear for safety'

Thousands have sought shelter in the Louisiana Superdome

People stranded in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina are being denied vital supplies as they wait to be rescued, relatives have told the BBC.

Medical evacuations from the Superdome stadium, where at least 20 Britons are sheltering, have been disrupted after a shot was fired at a rescue helicopter.

John Graydon, from Essex, told how his son Mark, 26, cannot get enough water because of bullying inside the dome.

Relatives and friends can call the Foreign Office helpline: 0207 008 0000.

A national guard was shot outside the dome but he was not seriously injured.

There have been reports of shootings, carjackings and thefts across the city , which is being evacuated amid fears thousands may have died.

'Bullying tactics'

Mark Graydon, from Stanford-le-Hope, and his 23-year-old American girlfriend Gretchen have been stuck in the Superdome since Sunday evening.

It is the frustration of being absolutely helpless Wayne Henry Send us your experiences

John Graydon said he was appalled by the apparent lack of a plan to evacuate the Superdome, and the growing shortage of supplies.

"There is no water for people in [Mark's] position. Bullying tactics are taking place - it is being run by the strong."

Mr Graydon said reports of rapes and serious violence in the dome were terrifying.

He described as "nonsense" claims that food and water were being brought into the dome.

"They had a little bit of water yesterday, but there are more people going into the stadium and the temperature in there is 100 degrees, so you are losing water anyway."

Mark Graydon has been in New Orleans since 11 August flat-hunting with his girlfriend, as she is studying in the city.

His father said he had been left disappointed by the chaotic response of the US authorities.

"It's a different type of democracy. It is about money."

'Frightened but alive'

Wayne Henry, whose 20-year-old son Peter had recently completed a Camp America placement, said he had received a text from Peter saying he had experienced the "worst two days of his life".

Hurricane Katrina leaves trail of devastation In pictures

Peter, 20, who is also among those sheltering at the Superdome stadium, said he was "frightened but alive".

Describing his fears for his son's safety prior to receiving the message, Mr Henry said: "It is the frustration of being absolutely helpless and not being able to do anything about it."

Mr Henry said he plans to fly to the US as soon as possible to be with his son.

Missionary rescuers

After being contacted by her daughter Natalie, 21, Marjory Gordon-Orr said it was a "great relief" to hear she was alive.

"[Natalie] was in her hotel... where the water was rising all the time and no-one at all had come with any food or water.

"It was a Jewish missionary couple that rescued her and her friend."

However, some relatives are still desperately waiting to hear from loved ones staying in New Orleans.

Rosemary Bird said she had not yet heard from her 18-year-old son Stuart.

"We do not know where he is and how he is. We are doing all we can this end but feel utterly useless."

'Merciful'

The Queen has sent a message to President Bush saying she is "shocked and saddened" at devastation caused by the hurricane.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said it was "merciful" that there had not been any reports of British casualties.

Hundreds of people are now feared dead in the state of Mississippi and the mayor of New Orleans, in Louisiana, says he fears the dead there could number "hundreds, most likely, thousands".

In addition to the Foreign Office hotline, there is also a 24-hour contact number for the British consulate in Houston, which is 001 713 659 6270.

---

Do you have relatives or friends who have been caught up in the hurricane and its aftermath? Tell us about your experience using the form below:

Terms & Conditions