(September, 2 2008) – A mandatory evacuation order and curfew are still in effect in New Orleans, where nearly 80,000 customers have no power. But the city seems to have survived a glancing blow from Hurricane Gustav.

Mayor Ray Nagin (NAY'-gin) says it's too early for residents to return, but adds that homecomings are "only days away, not weeks."

City crews will be out today assessing the damage and residents could be allowed to return late tomorrow or Thursday. Buses are already in place, waiting to be told to drop residents off as close as possible to their homes.

The city's sewer system has been damaged, and hospitals are working with skeleton crews on backup power. But drinking water is still flowing. And pumps that keep the city dry are working.

As for the massive evacuation, Mayor Nagin says he "would not do a thing differently."

But the four-to-six inches of rain Gustav could drop in northeast Texas may further delay some people's return home

Nerves of many evacuees are becoming frayed though, with minor fights reported at a shelter in Shreveport, Louisiana, where evacuees have been together the last three days.

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