US Death Toll From Hurricane Matthew Climbs to 44

Many southern communities are still reeling from the storm.

ByABC News
October 14, 2016, 2:18 PM

— -- Hurricane Matthew continues to claim more victims.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory this afternoon announced two more storm-related deaths, bringing the total number of those killed by Hurricane Matthew in the state to 24. McCrory said one person in Edgecombe County died while trying to save a horse.

In Virginia, officials today confirmed to ABC News the state's second storm-related death, saying that a Suffolk man who disappeared during Hurricane Matthew was found dead on Oct. 12.

The U.S. death toll from Matthew has now climbed to 44 as five states still reel from the effects of the storm more than a week after it ravaged parts of the South.

Some hard-hit communities are now focused on rebuilding, while others are responding to continued flooding.

PHOTO: Debris swept downriver by the rising Tar River litter a flooded rail bridge crossing the river from Tarboro into Princeville as the river crests in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, in Tarboro, North Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2016.
Debris swept downriver by the rising Tar River litter a flooded rail bridge crossing the river from Tarboro into Princeville as the river crests in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, in Tarboro, North Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2016.

In some areas of North Carolina, floodwaters remain.

    McCrory said that the historic city of Princeville is 80 percent underwater, a day after the governor announced that the entire town has been evacuated.

    The Tar River in Greenville has crested and has some raw sewage, the governor said. He added that Cape Fear River in Bergaw has also crested and high waters in the Lumber and Neuse rivers are receding.

    PHOTO: A building and street signs are reflected in flood waters as the Tar River rises to dangerous levels in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, in Tarboro, North Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2016.
    A building and street signs are reflected in flood waters as the Tar River rises to dangerous levels in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, in Tarboro, North Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2016.

    ABC News' Emily Shapiro and Jason Volack contributed to this report

    Related Topics