Governor Perdue requests disaster declaration for six eastern counties; Pender not included

RALEIGH, NC (NEWS RELEASE) – Gov. Bev Perdue last night requested a major disaster declaration for six eastern North Carolina counties as a result of flooding and powerful winds caused last week by Tropical Storm Nicole. If approved by President Obama, the declaration would clear the way for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide low-interest loans or grants to storm victims to help them repair their homes.

“I’ve seen the flooding first hand and have met with some of our fellow North Carolinians who are struggling to recover from the storm,” Gov. Perdue said. “We want to move as quickly as possible to get them the help they need.”

Perdue commended local, state and federal emergency management teams for working tirelessly this week to assess damages to hundreds of homes and businesses, as well as dozens of communities and farms in 21 counties. More than 420 homes in Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Onslow and Tyrrell counties were badly damaged by the storm including nearly 60 that were destroyed completely. Some houses retained as much as three feet of standing water for more than three days. More than 80 businesses also were damaged by the recent floods.

Total damage assessments to community roads, buildings and public services have not yet been completed due to high water levels in some areas. However, emergency management officials say initial estimates indicate that the state likely will not qualify for federal funding to recuperate costs for emergency protective measures and to repair state roads, bridges and community infrastructure.

The tropical storm dumped between five and 24 inches of rain throughout the eastern part of the state. Major flooding occurred along the Cashie, northeast Cape Fear, Lumber, Trent, Neuse and Dan rivers. Eight storm-related deaths were reported; all were the result of vehicle crashes.