Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith updated the city council Tuesday on the role the city played in addressing the needs created by Hurricane Gustav.

Smith estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 people sought refuge here, dating back to late last week. He said Meridian's damage was one tree down on private property.

Smith said the city was lucky the storm only brushed us. He said Meridian is standing ready to help other municipalities who were not so lucky.

"It seems as though Baton Rouge took a harder hit than the city of New Orleans did," said Smith. "We've been in conversation with Mayor Holder in Baton Rouge. They need a quantity of blue tarps, MREs, water, other supplies. And we're trying to put that together with cooperation of the Red Cross here to send an 18-wheeler of relief to Baton Rouge. "

Smith said Meridian is ready to send a task force to help evaluate collapsed structures, conduct search and rescue, and other emergency services, whenever the governor gives the order.

Meridian has sent three police officers to help in Pearl River County. The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department also sent three deputies there.

Smith said New Orleans evacuees are being asked not to try to return home until at least Thursday. He said Houma, La., asked people to wait until at least Friday.

The mayor said many Mississippi Gulf Coast communities are still assessing their water and sewer systems for potential problems. He also stressed that Ike and other storms may also be problematic for Mississippi and its neighbors.