North Carolina continues to feel the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew, days after the storm first impacted the state.
Tuesday October 11th (2pm EDT)
Flood water continued to rise in areas of North Carolina on Tuesday. This includes the city of Lumberton, where the additional water has compounded and already dire situation. The Lumberton river reached a level of 24.39 ft, over 11 ft above flood stage, before the gauge malfunctioned.
The flooding is now the state’s worst since Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
North Carolina reports 3 more Hurricane Matthew-related deaths; U.S. death toll at 26. https://t.co/wBto3gCgjf pic.twitter.com/uQZfqnXpJi
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) October 11, 2016
The storm related death toll in North Carolina is up to 14. It is believed that the majority of deaths in the state have been from submerged vehicles. This latest number now accounts for over half of the U.S. fatalities from Hurricane Matthew, with rescue efforts still ongoing in many towns.
Evacuations also started in other counties throughout Monday and Tuesday. Eight dams have already burst with more approaching breaking point. Residents near Woodlake Dam in Moore County have been urged to “get out now” by Governor McCrory.
Lumberton, North Carolina remains submerged under floodwater. “You’ve got to see it to believe all the devastation.” https://t.co/6s9rgK13fM pic.twitter.com/w7sWHbiMxM
— ABC News (@ABC) October 11, 2016
No further rain is expected this week, however some rivers are only peaking today. We can expect to see further flooding over the coming days.
Elsewhere, Florida and South Carolina continue to clean up after storm surge, destructive winds and torrential rain pounded the states. Florida saw hurricane conditions with category four Matthew just offshore. The storm went on to make landfall in South Carolina as a category one hurricane.
Mass burials are now being reported in Haiti with over 1000 dead and scores still missing. Relief efforts have been hampered by ruined infrastructure and the remote nature of afflicted towns.