Over 6,300 Guardsmen Assist in Rescue and Recovery Across the Southeast

Following Hurricane Helene, the National Guard has dispatched over 6,300 members from 18 states to assist in rescue and recovery operations across the Southeast. The storm made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area, leaving hundreds stranded in severe flooding and extensive damage.

In Florida alone, over 3,000 Guardsmen rescued 165 people and 60 animals using helicopter and boat fleets. They also managed to clear over 2,200 miles of roads and set up 36 distribution points for essential resources, like food and water.

“It’s pretty devastating to look at a lot of homes that have been wiped off the foundations and a lot of people that are probably going to be having to restart their lives pretty shortly,” expressed Brig. Gen. Alex Harlamor of the Florida National Guard.

Georgia hosted over 1,500 Guardsmen conducting search and rescue missions, using chainsaws to clear debris and establishing points to distribute much-needed supplies.

Meanwhile, North Carolina deployed more than 760 Guardsmen from various states to clear roads and transport supplies. A C-17 Globemaster III transported over 100,000 pounds of essential goods to the state’s Asheville Regional Airport: a key hub for disaster response.

In South Carolina, over 730 Guardsmen, plus 16 soldiers and three CH-47F Chinooks from the New York Army National Guard, were mobilized to move trees and support local emergency operators.

Tennessee also saw more than 280 Guardsmen, rescuing over 100 individuals. The state’s National Guard is now keyed in on infrastructure assessments and repairs.

“Our priority has been to rapidly deploy to the affected areas and assist emergency responders with rescue operations,” said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general. “Our Guardsmen are prepared to help with relief efforts for as long as we are needed to ensure the safety of our fellow Tennesseans.”

Virginia’s Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team has saved six victims.

FMI: www.nationalguard.mil