North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue is spending her second day on the ground and in the air surveying damage that Hurricane Irene inflicted on North Carolina. This morning, the governor requested a federal disaster declaration for Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties.
Local, state and federal emergency management teams are continuing to assess damage in other areas. A federal disaster declaration would clear the way for federal funding and additional resources to help homeowners, renters and business owners repair and rebuild damaged property and replace some personal items.
More than 100 homes and structures are at risk for flooding through Tuesday afternoon. Six North Carolinians died as a result of Hurricane Irene. More than 100 swift water team rescues have been conducted in eastern North Carolina.
Fourteen shelters remain open, housing more than 1,000 occupants, down from a peak of more than 7,500 people in 81 shelters Saturday. American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have cooked and served more than 57,000 meals for evacuees and first responders. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for a number of areas.
Nearly 300,000 power outages remain and utility crews from across the country continue to help restore power. The N.C. National Guard has 266 soldiers and airmen deployed delivering supplies, carrying rescue teams and conducting damage assessments.
Source: State of North Carolina Office of Governor Bev Perdue
