In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the death toll has risen to 17 and multiple rivers have crested, flooding much of eastern North Carolina. Avent Ferry Road regained electricity yesterday evening, allowing residents of the Avent Ferry Residence Hall to begin returning at 7 a.m. this morning.

The Division of Academic and Student Affairs also released an email to students whose hometowns were severely affected by Hurricane Matthew, addressing students stranded at home and students with family concerns. DASA staff offered assistance and guidance in the email to all students who were unable to attend class as a result of Hurricane Matthew, asserting that, “We know it is going to take some time to work through this crisis, but we are here to support you.” DASA emphasized that affected students should take care of themselves.

Chancellor Randy Woodson released a statement outlining the damage done by Hurricane Matthew and thanking all of those who ensured that campus would be up and running for a normal week of operation. He also expressed his understanding that many students are going through difficult times in their hometowns.

“We know there are individuals in our NC State community who remain affected by power outages and flooding issues, who have had to return to their hometowns and family farms to help families dealing with flooding or other damage, or who otherwise have difficulty traveling to campus due to Hurricane Matthew,” Woodson wrote. “Our top concern remains the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff and their families.”

The chancellor also asked that faculty be mindful of students’ situations and help those who could not make it back to class by the beginning of the week.

Three deaths occurred on Monday: one man was killed by a falling tree in Wake County while driving home, and two others drowned in Wilson County and Cumberland County after driving their cars into flooded areas. Gov. Pat McCrory reported an additional two deaths in Robeson County and one in Columbus County from drowning.

“Today, if we say the water’s coming, and we say do not drive through that water, we mean it,” McCrory said at a press conference. “Do not go through any barricades, take all instructions from all the authorities, whether it be the mayor, the fire chief, the police chief, the National Guard.”