Pamlico County, wedged between its namesake sound and the mouth of the Neuse River, is surrounded by water on three sides and is a target for hurricanes that sweep up the North Carolina coast.
In 2011, Hurricane Irene made landfall near Cape Lookout and dropped more than 17 inches of rain over part of Pamlico County. Flood waters inundated Pamlico County homes, including those in Vantisha Williams’ old neighborhood.
When the floodwaters receded, mold growth followed. And that, Williams believes, triggered her daughter Nazri’s asthma. Nazri was then 3 years old.