‘The only infrastructure that didn’t break in this county was the people’

Floodwaters have finally receded in the tiny Duplin County community of Chinquapin — giving many residents the first opportunity in days to venture out for supplies. They jammed a restaurant parking lot Friday where volunteer firefighters passed bread, water and fresh vegetables.

This rural crossroads near Wallace had been largely underwater since the Northeast Cape Fear River rose to a level that shattered the record set during Hurricane Floyd, breaking the gauge that measures the river. About a hundred homes flooded, as well as businesses and churches along N.C. 41.

Chinquapin’s volunteer fire department also took on a few feet of water, but the department moved its trucks to another firehouse during the storm and continued to make water rescues. On Friday, the firefighters were overseeing the distribution point for food and other supplies. “Our guys have been working nonstop,” said Trevor Normile, one of the firefighters.

Donations arrived frequently Friday, including a camper full of supplies from Hickory and contributions from the Mount Olive Police Department. Bleach was in high demand as residents clean up flooded homes and try to prevent mold from setting in. A refrigerated truck provided fresh food for people who have been without power.

Duplin County has a long, slow recovery ahead, but its residents are optimistic. Normile noted that Duplin lost power, water, cell service and even some emergency communications during the height of the storm.

“The only infrastructure that didn’t break in this county was the people,” he said.