TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The 181st Intelligence Wing of the Indiana National Guard are heading to North Carolina to help with search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“Hoosiers stand with our friends in North Carolina as they navigate the devastation caused by this natural disaster,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement. “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.”
More than 100 people have been killed by the storm, and hundreds more are still missing.
“Whether we’re assisting our fellow Hoosiers or aiding another state, the Indiana National Guard is uniquely prepared to mobilize anywhere, anytime,” Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, said.
The Indiana guardsmen will join local, state and federal recovery efforts. Other teams from Indiana are coordinating with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Operations Center.
Indiana Task Force 1 has shifted to North Carolina after helping recovery efforts in Florida and Georgia in Helene's aftermath.
A swift water rescue team from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, South Bend Fire Department, Goshen Fire Department and Mishawaka Fire Department have been operating nonstop since Friday in North Carolina.
The Indiana National Guard team is expected to be based in Hickory, North Carolina for about two weeks.
How you can help
- You can donate to the American Red Cross. You can donate money to help pay for supplies, but there is also a critical need for blood products. You can give $10 to the Red Cross by texting HELEBE to 90999.
- The United Way has also created a special Helene Recovery donation page you can find here.
FEMA has a list of the relief agencies working in all the affected states:
