Governor Wes Moore approved the deployment of the Maryland Army National Guard to North Carolina to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“The First Lady and I are keeping in mind everyone affected by this devastating storm and are grateful to all the first responders who are risking their lives for others,” Moore said in a post on social media platform X on Sunday night. Express thanks.
Twelve National Guard troops from Maryland are assisting, as well as two helicopters and three civilian firefighters, according to a news release from the Maryland National Guard on Friday.
Seven of the soldiers and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter are in North Carolina supporting heavy lift and cargo missions within the state, according to the release.
The Maryland Helicopter Water Rescue Team assists with potential water rescues in North Carolina, consisting of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and five crew members from the Maryland Army National Guard and from Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery County Firefighters The department's three rescue technicians.
“Our Soldiers are trained to provide essential life-saving services to storm-affected communities in Maryland and across state lines in this situation,” Maj. Gen. Janine L. Burkhead said in the release. “We stand ready to provide military support to civilian authorities and to assist our neighbors in need during natural disasters,” he said, expressing condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
The Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Florida on Friday, flooding streets, cars and buildings and sending high winds ripping the roofs off businesses, homes and churches.
Asheville, North Carolina's largest mountain town, was hit hard by the hurricane on Saturday. Roads were damaged and the area lost power. The city reported 30 deaths. Supplies were flown to areas around Asheville.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper predicted the death toll would rise as emergency crews headed to areas with collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and flooding.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
