ORIENTAL – People are slowly returning to the town of Oriental as recovery efforts from Hurricane Florence continue. Town Manager Diane Miller says it appears all of Oriental has power again following a flash re-build of electrical infrastructure by Duke Energy. She was informed earlier this week that 80 power polls were damaged or destroyed along with miles of line. She described work done by Duke as having occurred at a “frantic pace” with power being restored earlier this morning (Thursday). Customers of Tideland EMC had their power restored by yesterday. Roads in the town are clear with the exception of South Avenue which runs right along the waterfront. It sustained major damage and will need repairs. The sea wall in front of South Ave. will also need inspection from engineers. South Avenue is where much of the town’s festivals occur. Restaurants in the area were not open as they will have to go through health inspections, which Miller said would be expedited. The town’s bank was flooded so all banking is currently being done in Bayboro. Miller expressed pride in town residents who are busy helping each other with clean-up. She described the effects felt from Florence as “the price you pay to live in paradise.”