COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday that he has activated the Ohio National Guard to deploy to North Carolina in support of relief efforts following flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
According to a release, a CH47 helicopter and six soldiers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment based in North Canton are en route to North Carolina to "provide air movement of supplies, equipment, and personnel."
Also, 10 airmen from the Homeland Response Forces, 121st Air Refueling Wing have been activated to support first responders in fatality search and recovery.
North Carolina requested assistance from the Ohio National Guard under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which DeWine's office explains "is a national mutual aid partnership agreement allowing state-to-state assistance during state or federally declared emergencies."
“Ohio is answering the call to help Governor (Roy) Cooper and North Carolina in its recovery," said DeWine in a statement. “In the aftermath of this storm, many roads are blocked or completely washed away, so this aerial support will be crucial in getting resources where they're needed the most.”
At least 107 people in six states were killed as a result of Helene. A North Carolina county that includes the mountain city of Asheville reported 30 people killed. Georgia's death count was raised Monday from 17 to 25.
Cooper predicted the death toll would rise as rescuers and other emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said Monday that hundreds of roads were closed across western North Carolina and that shelters across the area were housing more than 1,000 people.
The Associated Press contributed to this report