El Paso Prepares For Katrina Refugees

EL PASO, TX. – As the search for shelters continues, thousands of people may befinding hurricane relief in the Sun City. According to officials, at least 700 hurricane evacuees are expected to come to El Paso.

As of late Friday night, the citywas ready to take the hurricane refugees, and is on a “stand-by” status. Officials with the city tell ABC-7 thatthe people will begoing downtown, to theEl Paso Convention Center.

Officials showed ABC-7 the set up at the downtown center. The cots are already set-up, with the Red Cross on hand to provide meals for anywhere between 400-700 hurricane refugees who are now homeless.

However, therewasabit ofconfusion Friday night, asthe city of El Paso was told thatthe first group was already coming. There is still no word on when to expect the hurricane refugees, but officials tell ABC-7 that do several other texas cities will be filled first, including San Antonio and Austin, before the reach El Paso

A number of area hospitals are also ready to handle the influx. One hospital official tells ABC-7 that,”We just want to have an inventory of items.”

Red Cross officials acknowledge that there are a lot of people who want to help the victims of Hurrican Katrina, however they are askingEl Pasoans notdo not drop off any supplies at the convention center.

For more information, residents are asked to call 915-541-4145,