Raleigh, N.C. – In response to Helene, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has mobilized over 1,700 Soldiers and Airmen to provide lifesaving assistance across western North Carolina. Working in partnership with North Carolina Emergency Management, the NCNG is conducting 24-hour operations to ensure public safety, support evacuation efforts, and distribute critical supplies to impacted communities.
Since activation on September 25, the NCNG has been instrumental in evacuating citizens, delivering over 3,000 tons of supplies and conducting search and rescue operations. The NCNG has stationed over 300 specialized teams at strategic locations to facilitate efficient disaster response, including clearing debris, restoring infrastructure, and establishing vital supply lines.
Key highlights of the response include:
• Over 800 total rescues completed, 546 of these rescues were via air missions.
• Over 200 flight missions flown, transporting 671 tons of essential supplies.
• Forestry support teams have cleared 1,052 obstacles to ensure delivery of aid to remote areas.
• 16 National Guard Liaison Teams are staged in 16 affected counties alongside state and local Emergency Management response personnel.
The NCNG's efforts are bolstered by contributions from more than 10 other states’ National Guards and active-duty personnel from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Minnesota, Indiana, Georgia and Fort Liberty, NC. These combined efforts are ensuring rapid and effective aid distribution across the region.
“Help is on the way. The North Carolina National Guard will be there for our fellow citizens until the mission is finished” said Brigadier General Wes Morrison, Joint Task Force Commander.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs at (984) 664-6242 or email us at ng.nc.ncarng.mbx.pao@army.mil.
For queries about media embeds, contact the North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office at (984) 664-6843 or ng.nc.ncarng.mbx.pao@army.mil.
NCNG Logo https://www.flickr.com/photos/ncngpao/47584237832/
Photos and Videos: Tropical Storm Helene Response | Flickr
DVIDS - NC National Guard Responds to Tropical Storm Helene (dvidshub.net)