A Tribute to Eastern North Carolina

Almost a week ago, Hurricane Matthew tore through Eastern North Carolina, leaving massive devastation and flooding in its wake.  As rivers in this region continue to overflow, even more homes and businesses are being destroyed and inundated.  Roads have collapsed.  Bridges have washed away.  At least twenty people have died.  Thirty-one out of North Carolina's one hundred counties have been declared federal disaster areas by our governor.

The eastern part of our state is home to hundreds of authors, such as Nicholas Sparks, Clyde Edgerton, Margaret Maron, and Shelby Stephenson.  Over one thousand titles have been incorporated into the North Carolina Literary Map.  Several colleges and universities are located here, including East Carolina University, the University of Mount Olive, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

As this part of our state waits for the flood waters to recede from its towns and for the massive rebuilding and repair work to begin, we here at the North Carolina Literary Map support you.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May you grow even stronger together as you recover and move on.

http://abc11.com/weather/governor-confirms-18-deaths-in-nc-following-matthew/1535987/