BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – A week after the historic rainfall from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, residents are expressing their frustrations toward Brunswick County officials, blaming them for the flooding and damage that ensued.
During a meeting Monday night, dozens of residents directed their ire at the county commissioners, alleging that overdevelopment and clear-cutting have exacerbated the situation. Many voiced concerns specifically about new development projects, which they believe have contributed significantly to the flooding.
Several individuals, visibly upset after suffering substantial losses from last week’s storm, urged the commissioners to take responsibility. Compounding the problem, some residents reported that they had been informed they do not live in a flood zone, leaving them without flood insurance. Others emphasized that the issue lies not with development itself but with the locations where builders are allowed to construct.
One couple tragically experienced flooding in their home just one day before they were set to celebrate their first year of homeownership. They pointed out that nearby wetlands, which are supposed to manage stormwater, have overflowed, leading to water inundating their property. The couple expressed doubt over whether it’s worth it to rebuild, with Garrett Baugher and Haile Buggi commenting, “Most people can’t even take one little hit. This is a massive hit, and it’s going to keep happening until we file for bankruptcy and our lives are completely devastated, even though we’ve done things the right way, and nobody will stand up for us.”
While commissioners pledged to follow up with the couple regarding their concerns, they did not address the other residents’ comments during the meeting. Josh Crook, another homeowner affected by the flooding, shared his urgency: “Get it together. I don’t care who does it. It took me 27 minutes to get off my property, while trying to save my belongings, before my driveway had three feet of water on it.”
At the outset of the meeting, commissioners did commend first responders and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for their handling of the storm. Brunswick County Commissioner Marty Cooke praised the proactive measures taken, detailing the evacuation plans, modeling efforts, and ongoing assessments of future storm risks within the region.
In terms of infrastructure, commissioners assured residents that main roads are open and that NCDOT is diligently working to restore access to the remaining affected areas. They also indicated that an after-action report regarding the storm will be compiled.
