Hurricane Florence's damage captured in satellite images
- by Brittany Mendoza
- in Research
- — Sep 22, 2018
The Miami Herald never mentioned global warming in 21 stories on Hurricane Florence, Public Citizen found-despite being based in one of the United States cities most vulnerable to climate change. That storm made landfall on Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, resulting in power outages that affected millions of people. For a time, Wilmington was effectively cut off, according to reports.
Trump, who is also reviewing flood damage in SC, said as he exited the White House, "I think it will be an incredible day".
To those who lost loved ones, Trump said, "America grieves with you. we're with you all the way". They still didn't know if their home was ruined. Some critics said the president's trip took on the tone of a victory lap for successful disaster management. "It's just another hurdle to get over in life". The flooding from Florence had subsided, only to get worse again.
The hurricane prompted widespread evacuations and about 10,000 people remain in shelters, the governor said. "I can't say why". "I don't have time to think".
Ferry service for the public has resumed for several coastal routes in North Carolina. Officials are warning that the flooding may worsen still, as rivers throughout the region are bursting their banks.
As environmental worries mount, Duke Energy said a dam containing a large lake at Wilmington power plant had been breached by floodwaters, and it was possible that coal ash from an adjacent dump was flowing into the Cape Fear River. Hundreds of stranded residents lined up for food, water and tarps that had to be ferried into the city that's home to 120,000 people.
"Understand: There is a lot of water inland, and it is continuing to make its way downstream", county manager Chris Coudreit said. According to the National Weather Service, nearly 36 inches (91 centimeters) of rain fell over the city that lies along alongside the Cape Fear River. "Our state took a gut punch, Mr. President, and our people are still reeling", as farmers lose crops, roads remain blocked off and residents lose their homes.
Less than a week ago, Trump infuriated officials in Puerto Rico and drew criticism from Democratic and Republican lawmakers for questioning a study that said almost 3,000 people died on the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The deputies were able to climb atop the van as waters inundated the vehicle.
Some of those who left shelters may have been headed toward the coast on USA 421, where a long line of cars, utility crews and trucks loaded with generators sat in a jam.
Traveling with him were the four US senators from North and South Carolina, Office of Management and Budget Director and former South Carolina Rep. Mick Mulvaney, and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.
They have received 20 to 30 patients a day so far, he said, but expect to be busier as the river crests. They were placed on leave pending an investigation.
The victims, whose bodies were recovered by divers on Wednesday, were identified as Windy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, the Horry County Sheriff's Office said.
