PENDER COUNTY — Emergency officials issued a mandatory evacuation on Tuesday for residents in the Black River Basin in Pender County due to rising waters.
According to Tom Collins, director of Pender County Emergency Management, the Back River is rising 3 to 5 inches per hour.
“There are homes along the Black River that are already under water,” Collins said on Tuesday. “Residents west of Moores Creek National Battlefield, including all roads connecting to Canetuck Road, need to leave their homes and businesses now.”
The evacuation area also includes Borough Road and adjoining roads, Battleground Road and west of Blueberry Farm Road, Beattys Bridges Road and Ivanhoe Road.
“Evacuees may seek shelter at Malpass Corner Elementary or the Burgaw Middle School,” Collins said.
Malpass Elementary School is located at 4992 Malpass Corner Road, Burgaw. The American Red Cross and Pender Health and Human Services are coordinating shelters. Pender County also has a pet-friendly shelter at Burgaw Middle School, 500 S. Wright St. in Burgaw. Evacuees with pets should go to Burgaw Middle with proof of rabies shots.
If evacuees in the Black River Basin can not get to the shelters at Malpass Corner Elementary School or Burgaw Middle School, they may seek refuge at the Centerville Baptist Church located at 18577 NC 53 E. in Kelly.
“Residents should heed the mandatory evacuation,” Collins said. “The water is rising fast. We are looking a record flood levels, dating back to 1945.”
Pender County Emergency Management will post additional updates on the Facebook page at and on the website. If you need assistance call the emergency management office at 910- 259-1210.
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