State officials in North Carolina yesterday confirmed further weather-related fatalities since Hurricane Matthew brought torrential rain and strong winds to parts of the state last week.
Fatalities were reported in Columbus County, one in Wayne County and two more in Robeson County, bringing the total number of deaths in North Carolina to 18. One person is still reported as missing.
Also yesterday, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory provided an update on the impact of Hurricane Matthew and how the state is prepared to respond to the storm’s devastation.
“Our state continues to make progress responding to the devastation from Hurricane Matthew but dangerous conditions persist,” said Governor McCrory. “We will continue doing everything possible to fight for all available resources to help people recover.”
The greatest threat remains inland flooding that will continue into this week in central and eastern North Carolina. The governor highlighted that the Tar River near Greenville will crest tomorrow and the Neuse River near Kinston will crest on Saturday. There is also major additional flooding predicted for towns and cities along the Lumber and Cape Fear rivers, along with many other rivers and creeks.
A mandatory evacuation is in effect in Moore County for residents near Woodlake Dam. Evacuations are also in place in several other counties.
To date, more than 2,000 people have been rescued by swift water rescue teams and more are expected throughout the day. People in central and eastern North Carolina remain under a flood watch or warning.
The North Carolina National Guard has activated more than 1,000 troops, to assist with recovery efforts. There are also 400 high water and rescue vehicles which have been activated. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to assist with rescues. The National Guard, State Highway Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard have increased aviation assets and completed more than 90 air rescues.
North Carolina Army National Guardsmen assist with evacuation efforts in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Flooding in some areas is still expected to rise as floodwaters move south. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
North Carolina Army National Guardsmen assist with evacuation efforts in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew have led to flooding as high as five feet in some areas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
North Carolina Army National Guardsmen assist with evacuation efforts in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew have led to flooding as high as five feet in some areas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
North Carolina emergency services evacuate residents of a neighborhood that fell victim to the flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct 08, 2016. Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew have led to flooding as high as five feet in some areas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
North Carolina Army National Guardsmen and local emergency services assist with evacuation efforts in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew have led to flooding as high as five feet in some areas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
North Carolina Army National Guardsmen assist with evacuation efforts in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Flooding in some areas is still expected to rise as floodwaters move south. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
Swift water rescue teams, working for local emergency services, evacuate victims of the flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew in Fayetteville N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew have led to flooding as high as five feet in some areas.
North Carolina Army National Guardsmen and local emergency services assist with evacuation efforts in Fayetteville, N.C., Oct. 08, 2016. Heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew have led to flooding as high as five feet in some areas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
