LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Air National Guard has deployed 11 Airmen to North Carolina to help the state with the humane recovery of flood deaths following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. 

The Airmen are all from the 123rd Airlift Wing's Fatality Search and Rescue Team and are working with coroners and health officials in the western part of the state, according to a release.

"We're deploying to Hickory, North Carolina, to assist local authorities in recovering flood casualties," said 1st Lt. Zachary Endicott, the team's officer in charge. "We're bringing all-terrain vehicles, refrigeration trailers for transport and storage, as well as generators, environmental control units and tents so we can sustain the mission as long as needed."

The Kentucky Air National Guard said per the National Weather Service that Helene's remnants dumped up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, and more than 200 miles of roads are impassable. As of Tuesday morning, 135 people have died from the hurricane, with more than 40 of them from North Carolina. 

"Over the past several years, Kentucky has seen its share of natural disasters, and our National Guard has always been at the forefront in our response," said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky. "Our Guard members are the best of Team Kentucky, and now they are stepping up once again, this time to help our fellow Americans in North Carolina who are reeling from Hurricane Helene. I know they will make us proud."

Endicott added the team is working in an environment with numerous hazards such as several downed power lines but is well-prepared for the challenges it brings. 

"The nature of the work is demanding, but absolutely the best part of the job is the closure we are able to bring to families," he said. "That's what makes this work so important. We are not, unfortunately, in the business of rescuing. However, to be able to deliver somebody back home to their family and their loved ones so that they can say their final goodbyes is something that really drivers this team to complete the mission."

The Air Guard's Fatality Search and Recovery Team also assisted with the 2021 Mayfield tornado and the 2022 Eastern Kentucky flooding.