National Guard Gears Up for Expanded Hurricane Helene Relief Operations

The extent of the storm's devastation could require an increase in the number of National Guard forces mobilized for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the coming days. Maj. Gen. Win Burkett, the director of domestic operations and force development for the National Guard Bureau, stated that military officials are collaborating with state authorities to evaluate and resolve their requirements.

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"As the states determine that they need more capability or require replacements for some of the formations already deployed, we will provide that," Burkett asserted. "We’re continuously looking for solutions to enable a quick response."

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According to state officials, approximately 1 million households are still without electricity, and numerous residents of mountainous regions are ensnared by mudslides and washed-out roadways. South Carolina officials are already preparing for the necessity of deploying additional forces, as approximately 1,000 military personnel are currently involved in relief operations in the state.

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"Debris clearing is the primary objective at present," stated Col. Jason Turner, the director of military support for the South Carolina National Guard. "We collaborate with power companies to guarantee that they have access to the necessary locations." Our primary objective is to clear the roadways, followed by the establishment of communication.

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At present, the hurricane response is being conducted by forces from 16 states, and it has resulted in a minimum of 191 fatalities in six states. Local emergency personnel are receiving assistance from over 40 rotary-wing aircraft and 600 military vehicles. An additional 1,000 active-duty soldiers and nearly 7,000 Guardsmen have already been deployed to deliver aid, clear damaged roads, and conduct search-and-rescue missions. Since the hurricane struck, the North Carolina National Guard's 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, led by Col. Paul Hollenack, has delivered an estimated 1 million pounds of emergency supplies and rescued more than 500 individuals. 

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