Governor McCrory Tours Areas in Robeson County Impacted by Hurricane Matthew | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: Stay connected to BCN for all of our many Hurricane Mathew updates.

Press Release:

    Lumberton, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory joined state and local officials today to visit areas in Robeson County affected by flooding from Hurricane Matthew. The governor offered continued support to first responders, disaster relief workers, neighbors and volunteers working to assist victims of the storm.

    "We are still dealing with the very serious effects of Hurricane Matthew in Robeson County, which is one of the hardest hit areas in the state," said Governor McCrory. "I am impressed with the resiliency and spirit of the people here, and am inspired by the tales of heroism of rescue workers who helped evacuate people from high water. Since I was last here 48 hours ago, significant progress has been made as we have sent truckloads of supplies and emergency personnel, but we still have a long way to go."


    During the news conference, the governor confirmed an additional fatality in Lenoir County, bringing the total number of storm-related deaths statewide to 20.

    The governor continued to urge those impacted to stay out of the flooded waters, and announced that officials were working with local, state and federal partners to find solutions for those who are currently in temporary shelters. There are currently six shelters established in Robeson County alone.

    Governor McCrory said that the state has significantly increased the emergency personnel and resources to Robeson County.

    At least 135 members of the North Carolina National Guard and 110 addition law enforcement officers have been dispatched to the county to assist with the recovery efforts. More than 600 rescues have been performed in Robeson county, 50 of which occurred last night.

    Governor McCrory mentioned that the state has sent more than 12 truckloads of supplies to Robeson County, including food, water, children supplies, cots, blankets and medical supplies.

    The N.C. Department of Transportation is currently assessing the condition of both major and secondary roads in the area. Sections of I-95 from Lumberton to Fayetteville remain closed due to flooding.

    Robeson County is one of 32 counties approved for federal funding this week to help augment the costs of responding to the storm, and one of 14 where homeowners and renters can apply for federal assistance to repair or rebuild damaged homes.

    On Tuesday, the governor activated the state's Hurricane Matthew Relief Fund to support long-term recovery efforts in partnership with the United Way of North Carolina. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.


    Monetary donations to recognized disaster relief organizations is also the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of assisting. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.

    For more information about responding to a hurricane and what to do before, during or after a storm, go to ReadyNC.org. You can also get real-time traffic and weather updates on the ReadyNC mobile app. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov