OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard to help support North Carolina in recovery efforts, after Hurricane Helene tore through the state. 

North Carolina requested the assistance from the Ohio National Guard under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a national mutual aid partnership agreement allowing state-to-state assistance during state or federally declared emergencies.

A group of six soldiers and a CH47 helicopter from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment headed to North Carolina Monday to help move supplies, equipment and personnel with the helicopter.

North Carolina requested additional Ohio National Guard support later Monday afternoon and DeWine activated 10 airmen from the Homeland Response Forces, 121st Air Refueling Wing to aid first responders in fatality search and recovery.

“Ohio is answering the call to help Governor Cooper and North Carolina in its recovery,” DeWine said in a news release. “In the aftermath of this storm, many roads are blocked or completely washed away, so this aerial support will be crucial in getting resources where they’re needed the most.” 

Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southeastern U.S. and killed more than 100 people.