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'We Will Rebuild Stronger Than Ever': Gov. Cooper As NC Gets Back On Its Feet

"North Carolinians are strong, and together we will rebuild our state," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Saturday.

RALEIGH, NC (WFMY) - North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper stayed consistent with his message Saturday as the state tries to get back on its feet after Hurricane Florence: Don't let your guard down and use caution when driving.

"The persistent floods continue to make travel difficult and dangerous in hard-hit areas," Gov. Cooper said. "You’ve heard us say it before but I can’t say it too many times: Stay off flooded roads, and don’t drive around barricades. The road you plan to drive on may be closed, and the road behind the barricade may not exist anymore underneath the flood water."

RELATED | Best Detours: Hundreds of NC Roads Impassable a Week After Florence

Here are some numbers from Florence that Cooper disclosed during the news conference:

  • 69,000 have registered for FEMA disaster assistance. Over $12M has already been approved for NC recovery efforts.
  • Shelters are housing about 2,800 North Carolinians.
  • 114 primary roads are closed and 547 total roads are closed statewide. Cooper asks to avoid driving on roads east of I-95 and south of US 70.
  • 8 refueling stations have been stationed across NC to ensure first responders have enough fuel for their missions.
  • Around 5,000 rescues reported so far.

The state Department of Transportation has found several routes for drivers to take in and out of Wilmington, which was still inaccessible by I-40 as of Saturday.

Just over 20,000 people were without power in the state.

"Everywhere in the flood zones, I've seen pain," Cooper said. "But I also see hope, selfless sacrifice and the hard work of recovery. North Carolinians are strong, and I believe we will rebuild stronger than ever."

RELATED | Night Vision Goggles Used to Rescue 100 People From Flooded Town

The storm has officially been blamed for 32 deaths in NC. Anyone with a home damaged by Florence in any NC county should call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA or visit disasterassistance.gov.

Cooper thanked volunteers and good Samaritans helping out with recovery. The Governor also acknowledged the rescue workers "tirelessly working."

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