Gustav Brings Back Memories From Katrina

Evacuations are underway along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Gustav gains strength.  The storm is responsible for nearly 70 deaths so far.  Some experts believe it could turn into a monster storm, hitting the U.S. as a Category 3 hurricane anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to southeast Texas.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports as Gustav is bearing down on the Gulf Coast, many Hurricane Katrina evacuees, who relocated to Oklahoma, are keeping an eye on things back home in New Orleans.

Trista Matthews and her family evacuated from her Ninth Ward home in New Orleans just before Katrina hit.  She was eight months pregnant with her youngest child.  The Matthews settled in Owasso.

"It's been wonderful.  I love Oklahoma.  I love it.  I really do.  My life has been nothing but blessed since I've been here in Oklahoma and I wouldn't trade it for the world," said Trista Matthews.

But, many loved ones still live in and around New Orleans.   On this third anniversary of Katrina, it's still hard to think about the hurricane.  And, hard to imagine New Orleans may take a direct hit from another monster storm.

"If Gustav hits, is there even going to be a New Orleans left?" said Trista Matthews.

Matthews has been constantly watching news reports on Gustav as thousands of Louisiana National Guard members stand ready and as many people begin evacuations.  She worries about her family.

"If you have family in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, what else are you thinking about but your family?" said Trista Matthews.

As Gustav nears, federal, state and local officials are expressing confidence that plans put in place since Katrina will protect residents.  Matthews hopes it is enough.  She wants everyone to seek safety, rather than just hope things will be alright.

"It's fine and dandy if you want to hope.  But, hope from afar.  Hope is not a good plan in New Orleans; it's not safe at all.  We can't handle a two hour rain storm, so we definitely can't handle a hurricane," said Trista Matthews.

Projections showed Gustav arriving early next week with winds of 111 mph or greater.  Matthews hopes the storm doesn't hit New Orleans and prays the city is ready if it does.  

A Baptist Disaster Relief Team of 50 people is on standby and will be sent to the coast when Gustav makes landfall.  They'll do cleanup work and will be able to serve up to 20,000 meals a day.

Salvation Army personnel from Tulsa are also preparing for Hurricane Gustav.  They're sending two mobile kitchens and three trailers with supplies to stage in Arkansas in case they're needed along the Gulf Coast.