In the light of the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Chantal, North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency for 13 counties. The initiative is meant to bolster recovery operations for areas severely affected by the storm's heavy rains and subsequent flooding, which led to loss of life and significant property damage, as reported by the NC Governor's Office.
The announcement by the North Carolina Emergency Management Act intending to open up access to state, and potentially federal aid. Governor Stein stated, "Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet," acknowledging the heavy toll borne by many in the state. The State Emergency Response Team has been active since July 5, collaborating with local emergency management and offering diverse supports, such as Search and Rescue Teams, bottled water deliveries, and shower trailers, as per the Governor's Office.
Central North Carolina experienced the fury of Chantal on July 6th, with certain areas inundated by 9 to 12 inches of rain, causing record-breaking water levels in nearby rivers and lakes. This has led to highway closures, community evacuations, and extensive damage to infrastructure. The State Emergency Response Team's deployment, previously initiated in a response capacity, will now be supported through the emergency declaration as the focus shifts toward recovery.
The state's Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with local officials, is currently assessing the scale of destruction left by the storm. This joint damage assessment, conducted with federal partners, will inform additional aid for residents, businesses, and local jurisdictions to facilitate the recovery and cover response-related expenditures, the declaration is crucial to ensure help arrives where it is most needed. The counties under the State of Emergency include Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, and Wake.
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