North Carolina Declares Disaster, Opens Aid After Tropical Storm Chantal

Following Tropical Storm Chantal's heavy rains in central North Carolina that caused severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and six storm-related deaths, Governor Josh Stein declared a Type I State Disaster, enabling residents in eight counties to apply for state-funded individual assistance grants. The storm brought record water levels, rendered over 100 roads impassable, disrupted water services, and resulted in numerous flood rescues. Stein has requested President Donald Trump and FEMA to issue a federal major disaster declaration to expedite federal aid for rebuilding public infrastructure and debris removal, with public assistance damages estimated at over $42 million. Disaster recovery centers in Orange, Durham, and Alamance counties are open to help residents access aid for rental housing, property replacement, and medical expenses. Home and business owners affected by the storm may also apply for U.S. Small Business Administration loans. These coordinated state and federal efforts aim to support the recovery and rebuilding of affected communities in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region and surrounding counties.