President Biden has ordered the Department of Defense to move an additional 500 active-duty troops to western North Carolina to assist in post-Hurricane Helen recovery efforts. The White House announced on Sunday.
The president had ordered nearly 1,000 troops to the region late last week, but the additional troops bring the total troop strength to nearly 1,500.
These are just some of the federal government's on-the-ground responses to Helen. The White House announced that more than 6,100 additional National Guard troops and more than 7,000 federal employees are supporting the effort.
“These Guardsmen are spearheading response efforts across affected areas in support of governors and local communities, providing critical life-saving and vital relief to victims of this historic natural disaster,” a Pentagon press release said. “Providing life-sustaining assistance.”
The White House and Pentagon said the announcement was in response to a request for additional troops from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The new active-duty force will be equipped with “advanced technological assets” to “improve situational awareness on the ground and support future resource planning across the region,” according to the White House.
About 1,000 troops on the ground already come from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Campbell in Kentucky. According to the Department of Defense, they are working closely with FEMA and North Carolina officials to “provide distribution of goods to FEMA-designated local jurisdictions.” They are also helping to secure emergency routes and will be supported by rotorcraft deployed to the region.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established three emergency operations centers in North Carolina, out of a total of 12 in the Southeast. Emergency power teams are also on the ground conducting water and wastewater assessments, inspecting bridges and roads, and removing debris in North Carolina and Florida.
“The Department of Defense remains fully engaged in FEMA and whole-of-government relief efforts related to Hurricane Helen, and is committed to providing the necessary capabilities to best support needed on the ground,” a Pentagon press release said. “I'm going,” it says.
The Biden administration noted that it had provided $137 million in federal aid to help “revitalize recovery for survivors,” and said there was “more support to come.”
The administration has emphasized on-the-ground efforts and collaboration with local officials, noting that the Biden administration in the past few days has “reached out to state, city, and county officials in approximately 450 affected states to ensure support and resources.” I contacted them,” he said. they are in need. ”
The government also encourages local residents to: Apply for FEMA assistanceand has launched a website to combat misinformation surrounding the federal government's response efforts.
