Gov. Stein declares State of Emergency for 13 counties following Chantal
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency for 13 North Carolina counties to aid in long-term recovery efforts following severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.
The declaration, issued Thursday, will help communities access state and federal assistance under the North Carolina Emergency Management Act.
“Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property,” Stein said in a statement. “We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet. This State of Emergency will help get North Carolinians the support they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”
Chantal brought torrential rainfall to central North Carolina on July 7, with some areas receiving between 9 to 12 inches. Rivers and lakes, including the Haw River, the Eno River, and Jordan Lake, reached record or near-record levels, resulting in widespread flooding.
Floodwaters damaged public and private property, forced evacuations, and closed sections of major highways. Critical infrastructure in several communities was also impacted.
According to a news release, the State Emergency Response Team has been active since July 5, assisting local emergency managers and first responders. Efforts have included swift water rescue operations, bottled water deliveries, infrastructure restoration support, and deployment of mobile response units.
Now that the response phase is transitioning to recovery, the State of Emergency declaration enables broader assistance and funding options. The N.C. Division of Emergency Management is working with local and federal partners to assess the extent of the damage and determine what additional support residents, businesses, and local governments may qualify for.
The declaration covers Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, and Wake counties.
