The long road to recovery continues as more communities across the Southeast emerge from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. Buncombe County, North Carolina, announced the reopening of I-40 eastbound, providing much-needed relief to the region where crumbled roads and washouts have left residents trapped and disconnected from loved ones. However, Asheville remains largely cut off, prompting President Joe Biden to plan a flyover of the area on Wednesday, as road damage has rendered his motorcade route impassable. Mayor Esther Manheimer confirmed that while federal aid is flowing into the city, residents remain without basic services such as power, water, and cell phone service.
More than 1.5 million homes and businesses remain in the dark from Florida to West Virginia. Georgia and the Carolinas bear the brunt of the power outages, with over 1.3 million affected customers. The situation is particularly dire in South Carolina, where over 600,000 residents are without power, and in Georgia, where more than 468,000 are affected. With warmer-than-average temperatures expected in the region, the lack of air conditioning and refrigeration adds urgency to restoration efforts. Mountainous areas in North Carolina, unreachable by vehicles, are receiving essential supplies via mule trains, with ranchers like Mike Toberer coordinating relief efforts. His mules, each capable of carrying 200 pounds of supplies, are providing a lifeline to residents in isolated regions.
Meanwhile, in Asheville, the search for 600 unaccounted residents continues as washed-out roads and downed bridges hamper rescue operations. Mayor Manheimer described the devastation as “catastrophic,” noting the unprecedented flooding and the number of swift water rescues carried out by emergency crews. As federal and state resources mobilize to assist the city, residents face a long road to recovery that will require sustained efforts, both immediate and long-term, to rebuild Asheville’s infrastructure and restore basic services.
State Defense Forces Integral in Recovery Efforts Across the Southeast
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Georgia State Defense Force, South Carolina State Guard, Virginia Defense Force, and the civilian Florida State Guard have been activated for a range of crucial recovery missions. Working in tandem with their respective National Guard counterparts, these State Defense Forces (SDFs) have taken on essential roles, from Point of Distribution (POD) operations and debris clearing to search and rescue efforts. These missions are vital in delivering much-needed supplies, clearing access for emergency vehicles, and rescuing those stranded in floodwaters.
POD missions have been particularly critical, as many citizens in hard-hit areas no longer have access to supermarkets or basic supplies due to widespread flooding and power outages. SDF troops have been manning these POD locations, distributing food, water, and medical supplies to affected residents. Meanwhile, debris clearing teams are working tirelessly to remove obstructions such as downed trees and vehicles, enabling utility crews to restore power and ensuring emergency responders can reach those in need.
Search and rescue operations remain a top priority as many regions are still submerged under floodwaters, rendering roads impassable. Using watercraft and helicopters, State Defense Force personnel, who are highly trained in such operations, have been able to reach isolated communities and evacuate citizens in need of medical attention or shelter. Additionally, logistical and supply missions, including the loading and transport of essential supplies to distribution centers, have been key in supporting recovery efforts.
State Defense Forces are also providing critical support at Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), assisting with communications, dispatching units, and coordinating responses with local agencies. Their partnership with National Guard Public Affairs Offices has been invaluable, ensuring that residents receive timely updates on shelter locations, available resources, and contact information for emergency assistance. The collaboration between SDFs and the National Guard has been instrumental in ensuring an effective, coordinated response to Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) joins the Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG) 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion to serve the citizens of Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Valdosta, Ga., Sept. 29, 2024.
The GAARNG and the GSDF, along with the Georgia Air National Guard, are components of the Georgia Department of Defense.
The GSDF is Georgia’s state guard.
Join at gsdf.link/join
Ready to Serve!
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Lt. Col. Jason Ross)
#HurricaneHelene#GeorgiaStateDefeneForce#GSDF#GASDF#Valdostaga
The Georgia State Defense Force has been mobilized throughout the state of Georgia in support of hurricane Helene disaster relief. We will be on the scene until the job is complete. Please keep those who are struggling and those who have lost so much in your thoughts and prayers.
We are Georgia’s State Guard.
Join our ranks by calling: (478) 246-7102
#SCSG troops from 1BN work to clear debris in the North Augusta area alongside the #SCNG. Damage is extensive and efforts are progressing as quickly as possible in these areas.
The South Carolina State Guard #SCSG continues recovery and clearing operations across the North Augusta area this morning. Our troops are working in close coordination with #SCNG to ensure safe and timely operations assisting the citizens of South Carolina recover from the hurricane.
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1221st Engineer Clearance Company, 122nd Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard from Graniteville conducted route clearance support of local agencies, North Augusta, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2024. Soldiers assisted in clearing trees and debris. South Carolina National Guard always ready, always there! (Courtesy photo)
(SC State Guard Soldier in photo)
Augusta, Georgia – U.S. Army Soldiers with the Augusta-based 878th Engineer Battalion, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force personnel unload essential items for citizens during a point of distribution (POD) mission in Augusta, Georgia, Sept. 30, 2024.
The Georgia National Guard has mobilized to provide response and recovery support to areas in the state impacted by #HurricaneHelene. At the direction of the Governor and through The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the Georgia National Guard will continue to partner local, state, and federal entities in this effort. #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere
by Spc. Ayanna Tillman
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – 4th Brigade GSDF – Georgia National Guard – South Carolina State Guard – South Carolina National Guard – CNN
