The Louisiana Superdome, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, sits surrounded by floodwaters

Texas Governor Perry says thousands of refugees now sheltering in New Orleans' Superdome arena will be moved to Houston's Astrodome, some 500 kilometers west.

Some 23,000 people took shelter at the Superdome to escape the hurricane and rushing floodwaters. Refugees have complained about worsening sanitary conditions there.

Governor Perry told reporters his state will to do whatever it can to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The governor said the children being temporarily housed in Texas will be able to enroll in local public schools. He says he also spoke with Florida Governor Jeb Bush, about coordinating relief efforts.

Houston's Astrodome - an engineering marvel when it first opened in 1965 - is used for events like concerts but has not been used for a sporting event in years.

Officials say it can house refugees at least through the end of December.

Some information for this report provided by AP.