NEW BERN, N.C. -- Everywhere you go, Florence left its mark with boats dumped on dry land and river water washed into homes.

  • Some people have started gutting their homes
  • Gov. Cooper says it could take months or even years to fully recover
  • RELATED: How you can donate to victims

In some houses, people are already starting the gutting out process by removing the floors, walls and are using anti-mold agents. Many count themselves as lucky saying it could have been worse.

“These people right here, they’re really out of options right now, and it’s unfortunate and they’re going to need help, they really are," New Bern resident Caleb Myers said.

 

 

At the Franklin Antique Mall, they’re clearing everything out and separating what can be kept from what needs to be tossed.

“We have people here who are helping out today, because they want us to be successful,” co-owner Bill Franklin said.

 

 

Gov. Roy Cooper, who surveyed the damages in New Bern Monday, says the recovery process will last months, possibly even years. 

“We have to rebuild infrastructure, get businesses back on their feet. We’ve got to help people,” Gov. Cooper said.

While some are able to rebuild their homes, others have no home to go back to. The storm surge flattened whole buildings in one neighborhood. It’s a place where people just do not have the money to rebuild.

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