Disaster recovery Coverage

Disaster responders from NC heading to Maui

Friday morning, a group of disaster responders here in North Carolina will be heading to Maui to help those affected by the wildfires. The American Red Cross of NC said they are sending six disaster responders to provide aid to locals and tourists in need.

Communities rebuilding after Rocky Mount area tornado brace for new severe weather threat

Monday night's risk of severe storms comes as people in the Rocky Mount area are still rebuilding after last month's EF-3 tornado.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County storm victims not eligible for state disaster funds

The state says families in Rocky Mount and Edgecombe County are not eligible for disaster relief money after the July 19 tornado.

Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County storm victims not eligible for disaster funds after EF3 tornado devastates community

The state says families in Rocky Mount and Edgecombe County are not eligible for disaster relief money after the July 19 tornado.

Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

Gov. Roy Cooper signs disaster declaration for town of Dortches after NC tornado damage

Roy Cooper's declaration makes more assistance available to the town of Dortches.

WRAL Staff

Robots aid first responders in UNC research

UNC researcher are study how robots can best be used to partner with humans in hazerdous areas.

Tony Rice, NASA Ambassador

United Way relief fund doubles after WRAL News report, more support needed for NC tornado victims

The United Way's Twin County Tornado Relief Fund is up to $47,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The total doubled from about $25,000 on Wednesday.

United Way's tornado relief fund raises $47K for NC tornado victims

The United Way wants to raise $500,000 for people impacted by last week's EF3 tornado.

Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

Wednesday marks one week since an EF3 tornado devastated Edgecombe and Nash counties

Authorities said the recovery effort for families impacted is still just getting underway in Edgecombe and Nash counties.

NC tornado victim returns home from hospital

Dale and Ricky Carter were thrown 100 feet in the air last Wednesday by an EF3 tornado. Dale Carter's mother said her duaghter's Medicaid doesn't cover the rehab she needs to get better.

Repairs to watermelon plant could cost millions after EF3 tornado damage

The plant in Battleboro is expected to need several months to repair after the damage caused by last week's EF3 tornado.

Cleanup efforts continue, families displaced and communities rebuild: Wednesday marks one week since EF3 tornado

The plant in Battleboro is expected to need several months to repair after the damage caused by last week's EF3 tornado.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter and Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

Edgecombe County woman injured by EF3 tornado faces Medicaid coverage struggles for rehab

Dale and Ricky Carter were thrown 100 feet in the air last Wednesday by an EF3 tornado. Dale Carter's mother said her daughter's Medicaid doesn't cover the rehab she needs to get better.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

Editorial: Cooperation and coordination key to tornado recovery

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 -- The cooperation that marked the survival of those residents and businesses hit by the Nash-Edgecombe tornado must be matched by a coordinated and cooperative effort of local, state and federal officials to lift these communities from the rubble and renew them with dispatch.

Tornado damage assessments begin Monday for Nash, Edgecombe counties

The recovery process is just beginning for people in Nash and Edgecombe counties after the EF3 tornado. On Monday, state officials will be in the area to determine just how much damage it caused and what people need to rebuild.

Total cost of tornado damage to be determined this week

On Monday, state officials will be in the area to determine just how much damage it caused and what people need to rebuild.

Governor Cooper views tornado damage in Nash and Edgecombe counties

An EF3 tornado ripped through the counties Wednesday, causing significant damage at the Pfizer plant and flattening homes in Dortches.

Dortches Baptist Church Offers Tornado Relief to Nash and Edgecombe Counties

Volunteers from across the state and region are helping the communities of Nash and Edgecombe counties recover from the damage caused by a tornado.

Eric Miller, WRAL reporter

Pfizer CEO says workers will be paid, possible nationwide impact

Pfizer's CEO visited Rocky Mount Friday to tour the damage from an EF-3 tornado that hit the company's production plant Wednesday.

'Reinventing a wheel': Little movement to address federal process that delays hurricane recovery money

Congress approved $543 million in 2018 to rebuild homes flooded by Hurricane Florence. Detailed rules for spending the money weren't finished until 2020, delaying projects.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Federal audit questions NC contracts used to help rebuild after Hurricane Matthew, says $2.5 million in funds unaccounted for

The inspector general report said that North Carolina did not follow proper guidelines when obtaining state contracts.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

How they voted: Recent NC congressional votes

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted over the previous week.

By Targeted News Service

Editorial: Mike Sprayberry's best at preparing us for the worst

Monday, April 19, 2021 -- While we may hope for infrequent Mike Sprayberry appearances, we've been fortunate for his leadership, preparedness and ability to rapidly mobilize diverse resources as state Emergency Management Director for the last 13 years.

Recovering from the tumultuous year

Anxiety, foggy brain, apathy, easily provoked... these are just some of the lingering effects from our lost year. How do we recover?

Liisa Ogburn

What to pack in a 'go bag' in case disaster strikes

According to a 2015 National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) survey, only 35 percent say they've planned accordingly. NCDP project director Jonathan Sury says life and death can depend on a 'family go bag.'