Residents along Black River recover from Hurricane Matthew

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The recovery process from Hurricane Matthew is continuing across the eastern part of North Carolina. Residents along the Black River were among some of the hardest hit in our area.

People across our area are continuing to pick up the pieces following Hurricane Matthew. Yesterday we took a look at Fair Bluff, one of the many hard hit areas across North Carolina. Today we went out to Pender County to see more on how residents are holding up.

Roads flooded, houses submerged, and swift water rescue crews were evacuating people from their homes. Now, aside from some debris, the area has dried up and residents are trying to get back to normal.

We spoke with Pender County resident, Ted Brown who said, “The rebuilding process is just beginning, and it’ll probably be another couple of months before it’s finished.”

The beginning of a long road to recovery, and although many people have received assistance along the way, some say they still need more.

“Some people have had a lot of help from the churches and organizations, but of course money is always an issue. Ya know, without money you can’t do hardly anything,” said Pender County resident, Pete Pridgen.

No money or way to rebuild especially around the holidays, that’s what Pridgen say is the hardest part about this whole situation. “I’ve heard a lot of people talk about how bad that will be. You know, it’s just not Christmas unless you’re home by the Christmas tree.”

Despite everything that’s happened, residents like Ted Brown are looking on the bright side of things. “People are coming together and helping people, and it’s just given me a whole new outlook on the world today. I just didn’t know there was that many good people left. Laughter.”

Good people helping one another get back on their feet.

To find out more information on getting assistance through FEMA click here.