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“It was a terrible shock,” were the words Dr. Donald Helms used to describe what he found when he was able to gain access to the Bladenboro Eye Clinic following the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew in downtown Bladenboro.
Dr. Helms said that following the storm, he was unable to leave the neighborhood in which he resides in Lumberton due to downed trees and flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew. He said once he was able to get out of the neighborhood and arrived at the clinic the scene that unfolded before him was heartbreaking.
Dr. Helms said the water reached between 36 to 44 inches deep inside the clinic. He said he also found minnows inside the building.
Fast forward to Monday and Dr. and Mrs. Donald Helms were waiting patiently outside of the Bladenboro Eye Clinic as the pungent smell of mildew permeated the air on Monday. They were waiting as Gov. Pat McCrory made his way through downtown touring the flood damaged businesses and speaking with owners and employees. He was joined on the tour by Thomas Stith, chairman of the recently created Hurricane Matthew Task Force.
Dr. Helms said the visit by Gov. Pat McCrory meant a lot. “It means a lot because we are a small town and next door is a small business,” said Dr. Helms pointing to his clinic and the Medicine Shoppe.
He said the process of cleaning and repairing the building has been slow. “I have five employees. The process of getting their money (disaster unemployment) is slow,” he said.
Dr. Helms said the clinic located at 104 Main Street is the only location for the clinic. He said there is no time frame for reopening.
“Other offices have offered a day and one-half at their locations,” said Dr. Helms.
He said in addition to the repairs and cleaning that remain to be done at the clinic, the equipment that is needed to reopen the clinic will take awhile to obtain. Dr. Helms did say he had some offers of use of equipment from other Ophthalmology clinics.
“I do a lot of crying and I do a lot of praying,” said Dr. Helms.
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