LUMBERTON, N.C. — Today marks five years since Hurricane Matthew devastated parts of the state. Lumberton in Robeson County was hit particularly hard. 

What You Need to Know

Hurricane Matthew displaced entire neighborhood due to flooding 

Hurricane Florence flooded the same area less than two years later 

Lumberton drainage maintenance crews are currentty working to address potential future flooding issues

Thirteen inches of rain came down, causing the river to overflow and swamp communities, displacing an entire neighborhood because of floodwaters. 

Pamela Smith rescued a friend from his home using a boat.

“We was underwater, we was in the dark. We didn’t think the water was going to get any higher that it was, but it did and before you know it, everyone was flooded back here,” Smith said.

City workers confirm they are currently clearing out drainage ditches now throughout Lumberton in an attempt to ward off any future flooding. 

In 2018, just two years after Matthews truck in 2016, Hurricane Florence dumped heavy rain on the area, causing more flooding issues.