NEW BERN - Governor Pat McCrory visited flood-affected areas in Craven and Pender counties, and provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.

"The teamwork and preparation by officials in Craven and Pender counties has helped save lives. While our recovery efforts are going strong, we still have many people who need assistance," said Governor McCrory. "The good news is that most of the rivers have now crested and are currently receding, but we still have a long way to go."

The number of storm-related fatalities now stands at 25. A previously reported fatality in Robeson County has since been attributed to a separate cause of death.

The governor announced that additional federal assistance is now available for residents in three counties. Martin County is now eligible for both public and individual assistance and individuals in Washington and Tyrrell counties can now apply for federal assistance.

Portions of the state remain under flood warnings. The Neuse River at Kinston also reached record-high levels and is not expected to drop below major flood stage until late Wednesday. The Lumber River is currently receding throughout Robeson County, and is expected to drop below major flood stage this afternoon.

The Tar River has dropped below major flood stage at Tarboro, but it is not expected to drop below major flood stage in Greenville until Tuesday morning. The Cape Fear River has now crested and is currently receding in all areas. All the rivers should be below flood stage by October 24 at the latest. Governor McCrory reiterated that there are no plans to voluntarily release water upstream from dams.

The number of statewide power outages continues to drop, down to only 1,900 from a peak of over 800,000.