Tropical Depression Fred's sweep over WNC declared federal disaster; FEMA aid coming
Shelby HarrisTropical Depression Fred's devastating impact on Western North Carolina after landing Aug. 17, has officially been declared a federal disaster.
“This federal disaster declaration will help provide assistance for Western North Carolina communities to rebuild stronger and smarter, and I appreciate the president’s approval of our request," Gov. Roy Cooper said in a Sept 8 press release.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will arrive in Haywood County within 48 hours, Haywood County Commissioner Brandon Rogers said at a press briefing Sept. 8.
Residents of Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who experienced damage from the Aug. 18 floods can apply for assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or through the FEMA app.
Disaster recovery centers will open in the coming days for people to apply in person.
Emergency funding:Haywood County approves $5 million emergency funding, awaits FEMA aid after deadly floods
A disaster declaration also means Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancey and Watauga county governments will receive federal reimbursement for debris removal, search and rescue operations, hazardous material clean up, meals, generators, fuel and more.
Cooper submitted the request for a disaster declaration Aug. 27 — a little more than a week after catastrophic flooding ripped through Western North Carolina.
Haywood County was the most severely impacted by the storms with six people dying in the floods that overwhelmed the banks of the Pigeon River in the Cruso area, and at least 687 homes experiencing some level of damage, Haywood County spokeswoman Allison Richmond said.
Tropical Storm Fred coverage:
- 'We can pin this on climate change,' scientist says of Tropical Depression Fred destruction
- Body of final missing Haywood County flood victim recovered from Tropical Depression Fred
- NC flood relief: How to help Haywood County flooding victims
Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chair Kevin Ensley told the Citizen Times Aug. 19 that damage in Cruso alone came to $300 million with 225 structures destroyed, and nearby Clyde had about $18 million in damage.
Additionally, 20 bridges operated by the NC Department of Transportation were damaged and three were completely destroyed.
Roughly 40 families were staying in shelters, Haywood County Emergency Services Director Travis Donaldson said during a Sept. 8 press conference.
Shelby Harris is a reporter covering breaking news, education and other topics. She can be reached at SHarris@citizentimes.com or on Twitter @_shelbyharris.