New Bern, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory visited flood-affected areas in Craven and Pender counties today, and provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.
"The teamwork and preparation by officials in Craven and Pender counties has helped save lives. While our recovery efforts are going strong, we still have many people who need assistance," said Governor McCrory. "The good news is that most of the rivers have now crested and are currently receding, but we still have a long way to go."
The number of storm-related fatalities now stands at 25. A previously reported fatality in Robeson County has since been attributed to a separate cause of death.
The governor announced that additional federal assistance is now available for residents in three counties. Martin County is now eligible for both public and individual assistance and individuals in Washington and Tyrrell counties can now apply for federal assistance.
Portions of the state remain under flood warnings. The Neuse River at Kinston also reached record-high levels and is not expected to drop below major flood stage until late Wednesday. The Lumber River is currently receding throughout Robeson County, and is expected to drop below major flood stage this afternoon.
The Tar River has dropped below major flood stage at Tarboro, but it is not expected to drop below major flood stage in Greenville until Tuesday morning. The Cape Fear River has now crested and is currently receding in all areas. All the rivers should be below flood stage by October 24 at the latest. Governor McCrory reiterated that there are no plans to voluntarily release water upstream from dams.
The number of statewide power outages continues to drop, down to only 1,900 from a peak of over 800,000.
Over 600 roads remain closed through central and eastern North Carolina due to damage or flooding, but Governor McCrory announced that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has re-opened I-95 today. The governor reminded drivers not to rely on GPS devices for road closure and detour information. Call 5-1-1 or download the ReadyNC app, for the latest road closure updates.
Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 or by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org. This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts. Additionally, information regarding monetary donations to recognize North Carolina relief organizations can be found at NCVoad.org, a fast, flexible and effective method of assisting North Carolinians who are in need.
- Monetary contributions help ensure a steady flow of important services to those impacted.
- Monetary contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are a fast, flexible and effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed.
- Local organizations spend the money in the local affected community, accelerating its economic recovery.
- Monetary donations, rather than un-solicited donated goods, avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, transporting and distributing these goods.
For more information about hurricane recovery in your area, call 2-1-1. For more details about Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, vist the Hurricane Matthew resource site. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter andFacebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
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