BOSTON – Massachusetts is sending aid to states like Florida and North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene , where the damage is estimated to be in the billions.
Rescuing survivors
Massachusetts Task Force 1, which is based in Beverly, is already on the ground in the south, rescuing people from rushing flood waters and crumbling buildings. The task force is made up of police officers, firefighters, engineers, rescue specialists and others and they brought ATVs, boats and bulldozers with them.
“People trapped, surrounded by water, couldn’t get out, so needed the assistance with the boat to get them out,” said Thomas Gatzunis of Massachusetts Task Force 1.
The task force initially sent 45 people to Florida to help, then 45 more were dispatched a day later to North Carolina. Sixteen members were sent strictly to help with water rescues. They expect to stay for a minimum of two weeks but are prepared for more.