LUMBERTON, N.C. — Disaster response volunteers with N.C. Baptists on Mission began serving residents of North Carolina affected by Tropical Storm Debby by preparing meals and assisting with cleanup requests by homeowners in Robeson County on Saturday, Aug. 10.

In an email update about its response to Debby, Baptists on Mission officials said the organization set up one of its mobile kitchens in Lumberton and plans to prepare 2,000 meals for individuals impacted by the storm over the coming days.

Volunteers also began clearing debris, placing tarps on roofs and assessing other needs in the area.

Baptists on Mission officials said they are also preparing for additional responses, which could become necessary as the impacts from Debby may continue to be felt for several more days.

River systems across the state are forecast to reach moderate or major flood stage in the next several days, state government officials said in a news release. Those include the Cape Fear, Neuse, Black, Northeast Cape Fear, Lumber, Tar and Haw rivers. Heavy rainfall from Debby also impacted dams in Cumberland and Harnett counties on Thursday, and the State Emergency Response Team is monitoring potential impacts to other dams across the state.

“Tropical Storm Debby’s effect was felt across the state on Thursday, but the greatest damage may be yet to come as flood waters continue to rise in some parts of eastern NC,” Baptists on Mission’s email said, adding that “we are responding and prepared to respond in greater ways as needed.”

Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rain and strong winds to North Carolina that resulted in flooding, power outages and spawned several tornadoes. Tornadoes caused by Debby were reported in Franklin, Sampson, Pender, Greene and Wilson counties, causing structural damages and debris. 

Debby has also been blamed for two deaths in the state. A man in Wilson County was killed when his two-story home collapsed during the tornado that struck there. In Rockingham County, a woman was killed when a tree fell on her home.

N.C. Baptists on Mission is seeking potential volunteers to serve in the aftermath of Debby. Those interested can learn more and sign up for a possible deployment at the N.C. Baptists on Mission website. Individuals may also make financial contributions to the Debby relief efforts online.

Disaster response is one of the 19 different ministries of N.C. Baptists on Mission, which is supported through the annual North Carolina Missions Offering. Individuals and churches can learn more and give to the offering at ncmissionsoffering.org.