Search and rescue units of the Alabama National Guard have been deployed to North Carolina to help recovery from the devastating floods produced by Hurricane Helene, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday.
In a press release, the governor’s office said Alabama’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team, which includes 11 airmen, a chaplain and a chaplain’s assistant, are part of the force called up to duty.
“Hurricane Helene left warzone-like devastation in its path, and Alabama is here to lend a helping hand as our neighboring states begin responding and recovering,” Ivey said. “North Carolina was especially impacted, and without hesitation, I am directing an Alabama National Guard team, in addition to other first responders, to aid in the search and rescue mission there. I pray for the safety of this team and that they are successful in their mission to rescue as many people as possible in the devastated parts of North Carolina.”
The Associated Press reported that the death toll from Hurricane Helene stands at 121 across six states. White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall suggested as many as 600 people hadn’t been accounted for as of Monday afternoon, AP reported.
“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters who have felt the worst of this storm,” Alabama National Guard Adjutant General Maj. General David Pritchett said. “This team is well-trained and well-equipped, and the prayers of our entire force are with them as they work to bring rescue to as many as possible and closure to the families of those we have lost.”
Alabama has also sent three swift water rescue teams and one cadaver dog team to North Carolina.
