WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Impacts from Debby are far from over, with the executive director of the American Red Cross of the Cape Fear saying a lot of their work is just now starting.
“For a lot of people in this area, their disaster is just now beginning,” executive director James Jarvis said.
Jarvis said with Tropical Storm Debby hitting the Cape Fear area this week, it’s already been a busy few days.
“Last night we had 30 shelters from Florida all the way to the Carolinas that sheltered 315 people,” Jarvis said. “Here in North Carolina, we had 8 shelters and 56 people and four pets.”
He believes this number will likely continue to grow, as flood waters in the western part of the Cape Fear area continue to rise.
“In this coverage area, we’re watching the Lumber River very closely. Certainly up in Lumberton and Bladen County,” Jarvis said. “In Columbus County, we’re watching the rivers near Fair Bluff. When you have so much rain that comes down, that water has to go somewhere.”
If that turns out to be someone’s home, the Red Cross says help is out there.
“Our focus of effort is making sure everyone knows where a shelter is, how they can get there, and how they can get out of the storm’s elements,” Jarvis said.
Jarvis also wants to warn people about increased water on the roads. It’s something the area has already seen a lot of with this system. As flooding continues, Jarvis says road conditions could get worse.
“If you see running water on the road, do not try to drive through it,” Jarvis said. “Only 6 inches can take someone like you or I off our feet and 12 inches can take your car off the road.”
As the impacts from Debby continue to unfold into the weekend, Jarvis says now is not the time to let your guard down.
“We don’t really know what all of the impacts are going to be from Tropical Storm Debby when it’s all said and done so we encourage everyone to stay vigilant,” Jarvis said.
If you find yourself in need of shelter or services, there are several ways to get in contact with the Red Cross.
- Call 1-800-REDCROSS
- Visit Redcross.org
- Download the Red Cross’s free emergency app
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