Weeks after Hurricane Florence made landfall in the Carolinas, Governor Roy Cooper toured the areas that were affected around Robeson County. 

“We know we have a big mission ahead. We have to rebuild North Carolina, not only stronger, but smarter,” said Cooper. 

Cooper made his first stop on Thursday at the Disaster Recovery Center, and spoke to residents who lost their homes after Florence.

“It’s a lot of devastation, but I think what stands out to me is the determination and the will of North Carolinians,” said Cooper.  

The Governor said residents around the county will soon start to see changes in case another disaster hits the Carolinas again. 

“We need elevation of homes. That means buyout and dams in the right place,” said Cooper. 

Governor Cooper headed to East Lumberton Baptist Church to thank the volunteers who are working to repair homes and guiding residents through this difficult time. 

“It was so great. Our volunteers were so excited to have him visit and we were really blessed by him. He stopped by to see what we were doing here,” said national volunteer coordinator for “Operation Blessings’ Hannah Slusher

People who are looking to donate to the North Carolina disaster relief fund can go to governor.nc.gov