Hurricane Florence death toll climbs to 39 in NC, 50 overall

RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) — The death toll from Hurricane Florence has increased again, weeks after the storm hit North Carolina.

Two previously unreported deaths that occurred in September have boosted the total number to 39 in North Carolina and 50 overall.

According to Gov. Roy Cooper’s office, a 47-year-old man was found dead outside a Duplin County residence on Sept. 21 due to a head injury sustained when he fell from a ladder while repairing storm damage.

In addition, a 69-year-old man in Pender County who died on Sept. 22 after falling from a roof while cleaning storm debris and repairing damage.

Cooper is urging North Carolinians recovering from Florence to apply with FEMA for assistance.

“Florence cut a broad path of death and destruction through our state and we will not soon forget this storm or the lives it claimed,” Cooper said. “For people working to recover, applying with FEMA is the single most important thing you can do. If you suffered damage from Florence, make sure you apply for assistance right away.”

Anyone whose home was damaged by Florence is encouraged to begin the FEMA registration process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA to register via telephone or by visiting disasterassistance.gov to register online. People can also apply at disaster recovery centers open around the state in hard-hit communities, including two new centers opening this week in Harnett and Duplin counties.

As of today, more than 104,000 North Carolinians have registered with FEMA since Florence hit and nearly $70 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for individuals and families, according to the governor’s office.