Governor Pat McCrory joined local officials to tour areas in Bladen and Columbus counties hit hard by Hurricane Matthew, providing an update on the ongoing relief and recovery efforts from the storm during his stops.
“I continue to visit areas that were hit the hardest by this storm because there is such a great need,” said Governor McCrory. “We still have folks living in shelters who have no home to go to and small businesses that are trying to re-open, but we are working to help each and every one of them and our efforts will not cease until our state is whole again."
The governor announced that the number of storm-related fatalities now stands at 27. A previously reported fatality of a man in Lenoir County has now been determined not to be storm-related.
Governor McCrory visited the communities of Ivanhoe, Fair Bluff and Bladenboro. During his visit he spoke with residents and business owners who suffered heavy storm damage. The governor also toured flooded homes and spoke with representatives from state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits, who are working together to rebuilding main streets and neighborhoods throughout eastern North Carolina.
Governor McCrory said that the state's top priorities continue to be moving shelter occupants into temporary housing, repairing critical infrastructure damaged by the storm such as roads and dams, and addressing any water issues. No public schools are closed as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
The governor said he hopes to call for a special legislative session in the future once a storm relief committee he appointed can accurately assess the long-term financial needs of the state going forward.
Individuals and groups are encouraged to continue to assist in the relief efforts by making a financial or other contribution. 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.
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