HURRICANE HELENE TRAPPED HUNDREDS, 5,500+ GUARDSMEN RESPONDED

In the days leading up to Hurricane Helene, residents of Florida were warned of a severe storm surge. Residents in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee were also told to anticipate the risk of impact far beyond coastal states. Still, nobody could have predicted or prepared for the aftermath facing the Southeastern portion of the United States. Excessive rainfall leading up to the remains of the hurricane created catastrophic flooding destroying infrastructure, homes, and ultimately, lives throughout the area. This is a developing story.

Thousands of National Guard Members Responding to Hurricane Helene

As of this writing, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has already claimed the lives of more than 100 people; however, the National Guard is racing to prevent the death toll from rising as much as possible.

Over 5,500 National Guard members are helping to rescue people trapped by destructive weather, while also restoring vital infrastructure, such as roads, to provide safety to those in affected areas.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck Florida on the Gulf Coast as a category 4, bringing with it a substantial storm surge yet to be determined, but obviously destructive.

The Big Bend region faced virtually unprecedented conditions for the area; however, Helene was more than capable of moving inland.

As a result, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas are also reeling from the force of nature that has isolated small towns in Appalachia, uprooted communities and is continuing to present problems for recovery efforts due to a lack of infrastructure.

National Guardsmen Respond to the Southeast

In anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s path, some troops from the National Guard were already on the scene, as comes with the territory.

Being in the military means serving one’s country in many different roles. Sometimes that means being on the frontlines of a battlefield and other times, it means search and rescue to save people affected by natural disasters stateside.

A variety of communities have been affected and while more notable cities, such as Asheville, are attracting attention, it’s important to remember that many rural areas are also reeling from the destruction.

The 350+ National Guard troops responding to North Carolina are facing conditions while the western part of the state is considered to have no roads available but people remain trapped by high water and other unfavorable conditions.

A notable rescue took place thanks to the Tennessee National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion where over 50 people were trapped near the Unicoi County Hospital due to high waters surrounding the area.

Multiple Forces Assisting the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Florida

Supplies are needed, evacuations continue, and rescues are vital in Florida, as they remain in many states.

Not only has the National Guard responded to the Big Bend area of Florida but the U.S. Corps of Engineers along with the U.S. Coast Guard continue to help people and make the area passable despite Hurricane Helene’s devastation.

Military bases in the storm's path report minor damage and power issues. Moody AFB is working to clear downed power lines and trees, while MacDill AFB lifted evacuation orders but is still facing power outages and wastewater management problems.

Times are hard for millions of Americans forced to deal with yet another destructive storm in unprecedented ways.

Thankfully, service members continue to show up when we need them the most and are already making a tangible difference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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