FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Damage assessments, rescues, and evacuations continue as U.S. Army Soldiers provide aid and support to FEMA, local communities, and citizens recovering from Hurricane Florence.
The Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper surveyed the damage across the Carolinas Sept. 18 with relief effort leadership. Flooding continues to be a concern in the region. Federal, military and city officials are keeping watch on both the Cape Fear and Lumberton Rivers as they approach flood stage in the aftermath of the storm.
In the last 24 hours:
• U.S. Army forces rescued 372 persons and evacuated 47 in various parts of the Carolinas.
• More than 9,000 Soldiers are providing Total Army support to hurricane response.
• More than 4000 Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and dependents have been displaced due to the impacts of the hurricane.
• National Guard helicopters have delivered 61,500 pounds of needed supplies by air.
• More than 9,000 Soldiers are currently responding to hurricane relief efforts as leaders continue to refine the mission needs.
Here are a few U.S. Army mission highlights as of 5 p.m. Eastern time, Sept. 18:
• 18th Airborne Corps Task Force Truck (31 High-Water Vehicles and crews) evacuated 170 civilians to shelter; rescued one from high waters; provided supplies to those in need; evacuated an additional 40 civilians and rescued 20 including two pets in Jones, Duplin, and Brunswick counties, North Carolina.
• 18th Airborne Corps Quick Response Force (20 high-water trucks and crews) responded to local demand for evacuations. Working with emergency responders, they conducted mandatory evacuations within one mile of the Cape Fear River. Soldiers evacuated 16 civilians to shelters, rescued one emergency operations center worker from home, and assisted in notifying residents of voluntary evacuation orders in Raeford.
• The North Carolina Army National Guard conducted over 250 ground missions, employing 112 force packages and completing 11 air missions with 47 persons evacuated and 82 rescued. Out of 34 armories in affected areas, only four sustained minor damage. North Carolina is using two armories as shelters for evacuees (staffed by the Red Cross).
• The South Carolina Army National Guard conducted over 170 ground missions. They are currently conducting High-Water Vehicle support with 99 water rescues.
• South Carolina Army National Guard is distributing blankets and cots to Dillon and Chesterfield counties and assisting law enforcement with security.
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• South Carolina National Guard and USACE are coordinating to assist flood mitigation emergency operations in partnership with state and local officials. They are starting to place super sandbags to protect the 501 Corridor near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from potential river flooding following heavy rainfall related to Hurricane Florence.
Visual imagery and b-roll footage are available at the following DVIDS link:
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/armyhurricaneflorence
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/626874/hurricane-florence
For continued updates, please monitor the following Army social media sites:
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/USarmy
Twitter = https://twitter.com/USArmy (@USArmy)
Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/usarmy (@USArmy)
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/usarmy
The Army will be using the following hashtag for all social media:
#ArmyResponse
Related Links:
STAND-TO! U.S. Army Hurricane Response
Digital Visual Imagery Distribution Service Army Feature Page
Digital Visual Imagery Distribution Service DOD Feature Page
Social Sharing