ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland has deployed teams of first responders and other support personnel to help with recovery efforts in the southeastern United States following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Governor Wes Moore has announced the deployment of various state agencies and military units, including the Maryland Army National Guard and the Maryland Task Force 1, a federally deployable urban search and rescue team.

“In the face of disasters, Maryland stands ready to help Americans in need,” said Gov. Moore. “We are deeply grateful to the brave men and women who have selflessly answered the call to respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

The Maryland Army National Guard has deployed 12 soldiers and two helicopters to western North Carolina, where they are conducting separate missions. The Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Response Team, comprised of three rescue technicians from county fire departments and five Maryland Army National Guard soldiers, has already rescued 65 people and 16 dogs using their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

Seven soldiers from the Maryland Army National Guard flew their CH-47 Chinook eight times, transporting 78 people (including 20 rescued) and 78,500 pounds of cargo, food, water, and six dogs.

Other Maryland personnel deployed to North Carolina include three members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and a planner from the County Department of Emergency Services, who are assisting in Rutherford County’s Emergency Operations Center.

Several employees from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Services Systems and three members of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management staff are also assisting with emergency planning and coordination efforts at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center.

Maryland Task Force 1, based in Montgomery County, was initially deployed to Georgia and later to North Carolina, where they conducted targeted search and rescue efforts, assisted other teams with canine search teams, and provided medical support. The task force, which consists of members from Prince George’s County, Howard County, and the District of Columbia, was demobilized on Thursday, October 10.

The state’s efforts are coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a state-to-state mutual aid system that allows states to share resources and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

“Our fellow states have never hesitated to support their counterparts when they are in times of crisis and we know others will be there for us when needed,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “Marylanders can take pride in knowing that our finest do step forward to lend a hand to those in need. Their selflessness and dedication exemplify the strength and compassion that define our State.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via MD-HART on Facebook