89+ people killed in North Carolina from Helene, 1K Fort Liberty soldiers to help with response

It was announced Wednesday that 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty's Infantry Battalion Task Force will be deployed to western North Carolina to help with recovery efforts. These soldiers are being deployed in addition to the support provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) and FEMA in response to Hurricane Helene. Here's a quick overview:

- U.S. Army and U.S. Navy helicopters, soldiers, and sailors to provide critical capability to move personnel and supplies in areas where access via roads is not available or viable.
- U.S. Air Force aircraft, helicopters, and airmen to provide search-and-rescue capabilities.
- U.S. Army soldiers and high wheeled vehicles to move personnel and supplies over roads and terrain damaged or impassable to normal vehicles.

The Army Corps of Engineers is supporting with response efforts with Temporary Power Teams and subject matter experts to support for debris removal, water and wastewater management, and bridge inspections.
The DoD has activated 22 helicopters to aid in search and rescue operations and provided dozens of high-water vehicles. Hundreds of National Guard service members are assisting with debris removal, air lifts, search and rescue, road clearance, commodities and transport.

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[jwb]

Shout out to all the linemen/women, ems, police, fire and other responders that are grinding out hard work despite the emotional situation. Heroes.

[michael.]

As a person not from North Carolina, I am very impressed with the supportive and positive comments from everybody! That's the America I love. Thank y'all!

[adamhuffman]

Unprecedented! That many fatalities in NC is so tragic. So sorry for all the families.

[tamarashaw]

Thank you soldiers and fresh men and women to help around our Great Country

[lynnski-exzk]

Donate to local charities that actually give boots on the ground help. Not those big national orgs that have inflated administration costs...

[helloworld-rvzw]

Never thought I'd see this area become so devastated. Heartbreaking

[greggalloway]

Me and the wife normally do a November fall RV trip to the North Carolina high country. I think this year we will pass and send the trip money toward relief.

[loricortes]

In this type of situation the immediate help is from one another. Getting through this first stage of disaster is so difficult.

[YaYaPaBla]

This is beyond imaginable. I’m in Louisiana and have seen hurricane damage before but nothing like in those areas. Prayers for everyone.

[joletty]

That hurricane was BRUTAL! Praying for everyone affected, hoping you get some kind of help assistance to help pull you through this horrible storm.

[cameroncarter]

Getting lost in the Appalachian Mountains can be like getting lost in the Amazon. Your blessed if your ever seen again.

[OIRAMAGETRO]

Very sorry for all the people affected by this event 😢

[laurentitolledo]

on a side note....it was also reported that some rescuers were threatened with jail time if they pursue search and rescue of victims

[Mv-Wildchild]

Why are the threatening to arrest ppl who are trying to help ppl who are stuck? Just watch a helicopter pilot on another news channel speaking about it

[Girlcanpreach]

I am so very sorry for your losses. Praying continually for all of you from NY. May God be with you guide and comfort you. Pray and don't loose hope. Please know many are praying and care about you 🙏💜✝️ you are not alone in spirit. Again I am so very sorry.

[JulietSpoto-pnlx]

God bless all the people affected and all the help! 🙏

[ivoted-]

The mold and mildew damage is going to be insane. I hope insurance doesn’t abandon these people like Florida and Texas!

[TheBenghaziRabbit]

We are in Spruce Pine. Its been totally destroyed.

[karifredrikson-lrmm]

Prayers for all of you, including these Service People! All you hanging the Electricity, putting in new Poles, those digging, getting wet & cold, missing meals, not seeing YOUR families, delivering endless supplies, housing all these Refugees, cooking & arranging deliveries, doing Double & Triple Shifts. Our Country can’t exist without you! For those watching this Catastrophe, DONATE whatever you can! All Americans!

[tressabaker]

Prayers for all the Families and everyone involved. Such devastation! I can't even imagine your all's losses!