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North Carolina governor tours mobile home community destroyed by Isaias


Governor Roy Cooper was in Windsor on Wednesday near Cedar Landing to check in on the residents of the mobile home community and survey the damage. (Photo provided by Governor Roy Cooper's Office)
Governor Roy Cooper was in Windsor on Wednesday near Cedar Landing to check in on the residents of the mobile home community and survey the damage. (Photo provided by Governor Roy Cooper's Office)
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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper toured an eastern North Carolina community hit hard by Hurricane Isaias.

There is still a long road ahead for many in Bertie County following an EF-3 tornado that swept through one area on Tuesday. Two people were killed and several others were injured. On Wednesday, the cleanup process is beginning.

Related: Two dead, several injured as Bertie County community sees suspected tornado during Isaias

Governor Roy Cooper was in Windsor on Wednesday near Cedar Landing to check in on the residents of the mobile home community and survey the damage.

"The people of this community are very special; they’re close-knit," he explained. "It is a tier-one county, but it’s a tier-three community in the compassion and the care that they have for each other."

Resident Steven Swain said his aunt, Ahleeka Bond, and her husband, Ernest Bond, died after the tornado ripped through their home in a matter of minutes.

“It was just a big roaring noise, and the only thing I could think was to grab my family, ball up, and pray to God it didn’t take us away," he said.

While Cooper was there he also addressed affordable housing and how the disaster has put a spotlight on the fact that while there are resources to help people displaced, the housing doesn't exist.

“I just spoke to our task force that’s looking at underserved communities across our state," he added. "Housing is an issue that we have to address. Healthcare is an issue that we have to address. We need to expand Medicaid to close the health care coverage gap.”

Officials say, as of now, people are still staying at a community shelter at a county high school but the plan is to transition them into hotels at some point.

Related: Donation center for Bertie County families impacted by Isaias opens Thursday

“This is devastating to see what looks like, in many cases, homes exploding,” Cooper said, “We mourn those two souls but I know that a lot of people are happy to be alive after this happened. Now they have to pick up the pieces and it’s going to be tough for them.”

The governor went on to say it was important that he took the time to come to Bertie County because it’s helpful to talk to the people this tragedy has directly impacted so he and others can identify the best ways to help.

For Swain, he said all he feels at this point is a mix of emotions.

"Just feel nervous and scared," he said. "You see stuff like this, and it just feels scary because you haven’t seen anything like this before.”

Related: EF-3 tornado caused Bertie County damage, National Weather Service reports

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations to help with immediate needs following Hurricane Isaias. The funds will be distributed to nonprofits working in NC communities affected by the storm. Donations can be made HERE.


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