NC and beyond impact from Hurricane Florence, Rivers still cresting, Much impact to homes without flood insurance, Huge economic impact, Crops livestock and jobs impacted
“Already, the emergency and recovery response is staggering in its scope, with more than 6,000 National Guard soldiers and thousands more federal disaster-response workers spread across the region. They have six million emergency meals to hand out, four million liters of water, 700,000 blankets and 6,000 cots. Along with state and local governments, federal officials will also have to manage a daunting bureaucratic challenge as they attempt to rebuild and revive a vast area that covers hard-hit mega-farms, tourist zones and pockets of deep rural poverty.”…NY Times
The people of eastern NC, SC and even some of VA need our prayers and support.
The impact from Hurricane Florence which was mostly rain and flooding was and is huge.
Several of the rivers, including the Cape Fear are just now cresting or about to which means more flooding and damage and perhaps more road closures.
Even if your home was not damaged, many people have been out of work, could be delayed in returning or in some cases, may not have a job to return to.
The farmers have been extremely hard hit.
NC is the number one sweet potato producer in the US and number 2 in hogs.
This impacts the farmers, their workers, truckers and all of the people connected to them and will impact food prices elsewhere.
From US News at 4:30 PM.
“Travel Still Dangerous in Flooded Areas of North Carolina”
“Gov. Roy Cooper said nine of the state’s river gauges are at major flood stage and four others are at moderate stage, while parts of Interstates 95 and 40 will remain underwater for another week or more. Emergency management officials said residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed will begin moving into hotel rooms next week.”
“The small farming community of Nichols, South Carolina, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the coast, was completely inundated by water, Mayor Lawson Batter said Saturday. He called the situation “worse than Matthew,” the 2016 hurricane that destroyed almost 90 percent of the town’s 261 homes. Battle said flooding from Florence has wiped out the 150 or so homes rebuilt afterward.”
Read more:
From the Charlotte Observer.
“North Carolina is the largest sweet potato producer in the country, accounting for well over half of the national harvest. Last year, the 90,000 acres of sweet potatoes grown here were worth $346.5 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, trailing only tobacco, soybeans and corn. Most of the crop is concentrated in five counties just east of the Triangle: Johnston, Nash, Sampson, Edgecombe and Wilson.
State officials say it’s too soon to estimate the losses farmers have suffered as a result of Florence, though state Agriculture Secretary Steve Troxler has said it will be measured in the billions of dollars. So far, growers have reported losing 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and about 5,500 hogs, with an acknowledgment that the tally will rise. But farmers and extension agents are still trying to determine the damage done to crops such as tobacco, corn, soybeans and cotton.”
Read more:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article218683595.html
People have been asking me for a recommendation of where to donate money.
I have always had a good impression of the Salvation Army. I just spoke to a friend who works with them. He will be traveling to affected areas soon. He showed me a report that revealed a great many meals and other supplies had already been provided. They were on the scene before the hurricane struck.
The NC Baptist Men’s group always does a good job.
Samaritan’s Purse is also involved.
The state of NC has a contact link:
https://governor.nc.gov/donate-florence-recovery
There is also the Red Cross and others.
TV stations across the state have also been holding fundraisers.
Thanks to all across the country for your concern and support.
More here:
Citizen WElls 