Indiana National Guard, State and Local Rescue Teams Assist in Hurricane Relief

The Indiana National Guard is assisting with Hurricane Helene search and rescue efforts. They’re joining local and state personnel from North Carolina and federal agencies along with other Hoosier teams in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, which operates Indiana’s Emergency Operations Center. The Indiana National Guard team is expected to be in North Carolina for two weeks, a news release from the Indiana governor’s office said. Indiana Task Force 1 is also helping with recovery efforts in North Carolina after previously responding to Florida and Georgia. The Indiana governors office also says a swift water rescue team made up of personnel from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and South Bend, Goshen, and Mishawaka Fire Departments was sent to North Carolina and has been operating nearly nonstop since Friday September 27, and an Incident Management Team from Indiana is assisting Haywood County Emergency Management in North Carolina. “Hoosiers stand with our friends in North Carolina as they navigate the devastation caused by this natural disaster,” said Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. “As a force for local and global good, the women and men of the Indiana National Guard are prepared to answer the call, and our prayers are with them and the people of North Carolina.” In addition to responding to floods, tornadoes and snowstorms in Indiana, the Indiana National Guard has previously assisted with Hurricane Harvey and Irma recovery efforts.