DURHAM, N.C. – Six months after what state officials say is the costliest disaster in North Carolina history, recovery from Hurricane Florence has made significant progress. State and federal agencies, volunteers and nonprofits continue to work together.
More than $1.2 billion in federal assistance has been provided to Hurricane Florence survivors. This includes National Flood Insurance Program insurance payments; FEMA grants for temporary rental assistance, basic home repairs, and other needs not covered by insurance; and
U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
“Hurricane Florence was a devastating storm that swamped homes, businesses, farms, schools and entire communities,” said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. “But the devastation was quickly followed by amazing acts of bravery and kindness from first responders, volunteers, and neighbors helping neighbors, and impressive cooperation among local, state and federal partners to get help to those in need. People hit hard by Florence are determined to recover and we’re determined to rebuild North Carolina stronger and smarter.”
FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, who is overseeing federal efforts in this disaster, concurs. “Much progress has been made. We know much work remains and FEMA and its federal partners will continue to support North Carolina along the way.”
Big Disaster Requires Big Response, Recovery Efforts
FEMA and its federal partners were on the ground assisting state and local governments even before Hurricane Florence was making landfall. FEMA delivered more than 2.7 million meals and 2.6 million liters of water to the state.
North Carolina Emergency Management’s Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) was actively engaged with its private sector partners which provided resources and services following the storm and $20 million in cash donations to volunteer organizations to aid North Carolinians.
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