US Soldiers Pitch In With FEMA To Provide Hurricane Relief

In the wake of Hurricane Milton more than 6,500 members of the National Guard are engaged in emergency relief efforts in Florida alone.

As per a U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) press statement yesterday (Thursday) 26 helicopters, more than 500 high-water vehicles and  over a dozen watercraft from 12 separate states have been mobilized as part of the support effort, which is being coordinated by the DoD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Continued assistance is also being provided in North Carolina as the clean-up from Hurricane Helene progresses, engaging in road clearing and the distribution of food, water and other vital commodities.

At a press conference Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in Florida approximately 250 people have been providing support with debris control, temporary roof support, waterway clearance, and flood control.

Ryder added that approximately 250 people are providing support with debris control, temporary roof support, waterway clearance, flood control and more. He said active duty troops from U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Army North were on standby to support FEMA throughout the region when requested. 

He added: "As you know, Hurricane Milton impacted Florida as a Category 3 storm, and DoD took appropriate precautions in advance for our facilities in Florida to ensure the safety of our personnel, their families and equipment.

Turning to the situation in North Carolina, Ryder said: "The National Guard has approximately 5,000 guardsmen, 80 high-water vehicles and 50 helicopters from 17 states mobilized. More than 1,500 active duty members are deployed to North Carolina as well, working with federal, state and local partners on the coordinated response effort." 

Ryder added, "In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has more than 550 personnel mobilized to 14 emergency operations centers across the region; supporting debris control, temporary power infrastructure assessment, flood control and safe waterways assessment." 

• You can read more details on the U.S. DoD website