In response to Hurricane Helene’s “warzone-like devastation” and flooding that has left more than 1,000 people missing in North Carolina, Alabama is sending teams to assist in rescue and recovery.
“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters who have felt the worst of this storm,” said National Guard Adjutant General Maj. General David Pritchett.
On Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced she’d activated Alabama’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team (FSRT) — a 13-person team of 11 airmen, a chaplain and a chaplain’s assistant — to the most heavily impacted areas of North Carolina. Alabama has also sent three Swift Water Rescue Teams and a Cadaver Dog team.
“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,” Ivey said.
The storm caused several western North Carolina counties to experience unprecedented flooding.
“Alabama is well-prepared to aid our neighbors in need and fill in any shortfalls that may be there,” said AEMA Director Jeff Smitherman.