Go to: August 31 • President Bush flies over the Gulf Coast in Air Force One to survey the damage. He later announces a major federal mobilization to help the victims. (Full story) • The entire region is declared a public health emergency amid fears of diseases that could spread because of the contaminated, stagnant water. (Full story) • Evacuations from the Louisiana Superdome to the Houston Astrodome begin. About 20,000 people are expected to be transferred from New Orleans to Houston. (Full story) • When asked about the number of dead, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin replies, "Minimum, hundreds. Most likely, thousands." (CNN Access)