ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. -- After two hurricanes hit Robeson County hard in recent years, workers with the county's Soil and Water Conservation made sure future storms don't leave as much flooding.

• The organization hired two contractors to clean debris and fallen trees from the Lumber River.
• Workers said the cleanup won't prevent flooding, but will help reduce how much flooding the area sees.
• Workers with the Robeson County Soil and Water Conservation said the river was last cleaned well before Hurricane Matthew.

The organization hired two contractors to clean debris and fallen trees from the Lumber River. Workers said the cleanup won't prevent flooding, but will help reduce how much flooding the area sees.

Crews started their work Monday and will work from the Columbus and Robeson County line to Maxton. Neighbors who live along the river said the cleanup is helping the county recover.

"Get it together," Robeson County resident, Diane Lewis said. "We cannot afford to keep losing our homes. It's a lot of senior people in this area that cannot afford to rebuild. Please clean the river."

Workers with the Robeson County Soil and Water Conservation said the river was last cleaned well before Hurricane Matthew.