American Rivers’ statement on flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal

Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145 

Widespread flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal triggered dam failures and devastated communities in the central piedmont of North Carolina on Sunday. 

Peter Raabe, Southeast Regional Director for American Rivers, made the following statement: 

“Heavy rains caused by increasingly extreme storms are threatening communities like never before. These floods have upended people’s lives in communities from Southern Pines to Burlington. These communities will rely on the support of their neighbors and local, state, and federal resources to recover. 

Flooding in the Eno River and Haw River caused by this storm broke records set by some of the largest hurricanes to hit North Carolina. We need to keep people and businesses safe by restoring floodplains so they can better absorb floodwaters.  

Several dams failed, releasing a wave of water that destroyed homes. North Carolina must move quickly to use the authority provided in the most recent Hurricane Helene recovery package to work with owners to remove dams they no longer need.  

Our rivers are one of North Carolina’s greatest assets and are enjoyed by millions of people every year. We can preserve these treasures by investing in effective natural infrastructure solutions that improve river health and public safety.” 

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American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org