USA – More Deaths in North and South Carolina Floods

The governors of North and South Carolina confirmed further fatalities attributed to Hurricane Matthew yesterday. The number of deaths in the USA has now climbed to 34.

Both states continue to tackle flooding in the wake of the hurricane, which dumped over 20 inches (508 mm) of rain being reported in North Carolina, according to NASA. Some rivers in the two states continue to rise in areas downstream.

North Carolina

Yesterday, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory announced additional fatalities, one of whom drowned in Lenoir County after driving around a barricade for a washed-out roadway. Most of the state’s deaths from the hurricane have been drownings, and many of the victims have been in vehicles at the time. This latest tragedy brings the number of victims in the state to 22.

Yesterday, Governor McCrory visited flood hit areas of Kinston and Princeville, where the Tar River is currently cresting. The river will be in major flood stage until Saturday afternoon, and is not expected to drop below moderate flood stage until Tuesday.

Much of the historic town is under flood water up to roof height. Around 2,000 residents have evacuated.

“I’d like to let the people of Princeville know that we will be with you and we will do everything we can to help rebuild your city,” said Governor McCrory. “We will also take steps to ensure that this type of disaster never happens again.”

Meanwhile the number of state-wide power outages continues to drop, and is now down to 43,753 from a peak of over 800,000 on Sunday.

Yesterday, Governor Pat McCrory also announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available for people in 20 counties due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

“Entire towns have been destroyed with record flooding from Hurricane Matthew, meaning many businesses and employees have been directly impacted,” said Governor McCrory. “This assistance will help those suffering during these difficult times to begin rebuilding their lives.”

Twenty counties have been approved for disaster unemployment insurance, including Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Dare, Edgecombe, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties.

South Carolina

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said yesterday that a further death had been reported and the number of fatalities attributed to Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath in the state now stands at four.

Over 300 people remain in shelters in the state, over 250 roads are still closed and over 75,000 customers without power.

Some rivers are still rising or remain at major flood stage in the state. The Waccamaw River near Conway is expected to crest early next week, but remain at above major flood stage for some time longer.

The Little Pee Dee has crested, reaching 17.1 feet, its highest ever recorded. However it is still likely to remain above major flood stage until Wednesday 19 October.