NC death toll rises to 24, Gov. Perdue addresses Obama's disaster declaration

Stony Brook North was one of the hardest-hit areas in Raleigh Saturday when a powerful tornado swooped over the city. Three children were killed and one was injured.

By: NBC-17 & AP | MyNC
Published: April 20, 2011
Updated: April 20, 2011 - 9:35 AM

RALEIGH, N.C. --

North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue said Wednesday that President Obama's disaster declaration clears the way for the state to receive federal aid.

Obama declared the state a disaster area Tuesday evening after a push by Gov. Perdue for an expedited declaration.

"It made no sense to wait to get a full state-wide assessment...it was my decision to get money" to the state as soon as possible, said Gov. Perdue.

Perdue said the declaration makes Federal funding available to residents of Bertie, Bladen, Cumberland, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Onslow, Wake and Wilson. Other counties and towns will be added to the list.

The aid includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

The White House says FEMA is continuing to survey damage other areas, and "more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed in the affected areas."

Perdue began the press conference with updated numbers, including the announcement of another death in Bertie County. The recent death brings the death toll in Bertie County to 12 and a total of 24 fatalities across the state.

State emergency assessments, by the numbers:

133 injuries
439 homes destroyed, with that number expected to rise
6,189 homes with some level of damage. 5,000 reported in Wake Co. alone
21 businesses destroyed
92 businesses damaged
2,000 employees confirmed out of work. About 1,000 of those workers are employees at Static Control in Lee County.

Gov. Beverly Perdue asked the president and to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for help, seeking low-interest loans for farmers and loans and grants to help others repair their homes and businesses.

For information on ways to seek help federally and locally, click here.

*YOUR VOICE* How do you feel about the local and state response to the damage in your area? Are they doing enough for you? Join the conversation on our NBC-17 Facebook page.