Press Releases

UPDATE: 10/18/2016  9 p.m. Escaped inmate Dennis Carver #0478723 was captured at about 8:20 this evening in Kings Mountain.  He had escaped early this afternoon from Gaston Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison in Dallas.

 North Carolina residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can get information about federal assistance at a disaster recovery center opening in Johnston and Wayne counties.

Call specialists with United Way’s NC 2-1-1 system have handled more than 6,000 disaster-related calls since Oct. 3, according to NC Emergency Management officials. The call specialists have directed callers to health and human services, government assistance and disaster resources.

Governor Pat McCrory is urging people to be aware of dangerous conditions that persist in flooded areas even as relief efforts are making progress in central and eastern North Carolina in response to Hurricane Matthew.

Under the direction of Governor Pat McCrory, the state environmental department is helping communities rebuild and recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Matthew.

Hurricane Matthew’s severe flooding across central and eastern North Carolina has affected water quality and availability in certain eastern North Carolina public water systems.

The Department of Transportation has reopened a section of U.S. 74 closed by floodwater from Hurricane Matthew last week. A section of the highway at the Robeson-Columbus County line has been put into a two-lane, two-way pattern while repairs to the roadway are continuing.

Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew now have an additional 10 days to request replacement benefits.

Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew are asked to contact the Electronic Benefits Transfer Call Center to request replacement benefits. The Call Center number is 1-866-719-0141.

Following his visit to New Bern earlier today, Governor Pat McCrory has announced that federal individual assistance is now available for residents of Craven County affected by recent flooding. Last week, the county qualified for public assistance. 

The Division of Employment Security (DES) has announced that the following counties have been approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew: Craven County, Martin County, Tyrrell County, and Washington County.

New Bern, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory visited flood-affected areas in Craven and Pender counties today, and provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.

Events such as the flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew commonly result in the loss of important documents. North Carolinians can use the following resources to replace lost or damaged documents and records.

Thanks to Department of Transportation and contractor crews working around the clock over the weekend, I-95 was reopened in both directions in Cumberland and Robeson counties this morning.

State environmental health experts are cautioning residents affected by the floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew to exercise extreme caution when reentering their homes. Hazards include electrical, wildlife, mold, sewage and contaminated food.