Gov. Roy Cooper and FEMA chief Brock Long visited Wilmington Tuesday to view storm damage and meet out-of-state emergency workers camped at Independence Mall.
The governor's helicopter landed in the parking lot at Hanover Center across the street. Cooper and other officials then visited a makeshift dormitory at the mall, where they shook hands and thanked the workers.
“I want to say on behalf of a grateful state of North Carolina, Thank you guys for coming, and helping us in our time of need,” Cooper told the crowd.
After the tour, he spoke briefly to reporters about his helicopter trip in.
“We saw a lot of flooded homes, flooded fields. We flew over Burgaw. They clearly have seen significant damage. We know that we have a long road ahead,” Cooper said.
The governor said he couldn't even guess at a statewide damage estimate, because “damage is occurring as we speak, so we just … we know this is a monumental disaster.”
Here in New Hanover County alone, officials have given a preliminary estimate of nearly $16 million.
Cooper and Brock also visited the shelter at Hoggard High School, and a food distribution point.