On Wednesday night, some Chicago-area workers that resembled a SWAT unit of firefighters were in North Carolina aiding in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
As they raced to save survivors, some two dozen firefighters from 17 different agencies were called upon for their specialized gear, boats, and particular abilities. Much of the region lost electricity and cell service, and the firefighters’ internet connection was spotty. Nevertheless, they made use of the limited service they had to discuss their activities.
Hurricane Helene left a massive and overwhelming trail. Basic basics like food and water are lacking for some.
“This town is devastated, and we need help. We need food,” One woman from Henry, North Carolina, Robyn, stated. I know people are coming. I know they’re coming.”
Illinois Water Rescue 1, led by Ken Schulman and a group of first responders from the Chicagoland region, is joining the desperate relief effort. They have been negotiating overturned trees, damaged roadways, and high floodwaters.
“We’ve come across people that have literally had their house swept away in the river, and they’re coming up to us and offering us water, and thanking us for being there,” Schulman stated.
The firefighters are members of MABAS, or the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, which offers support in times of dire need to Illinois and neighboring states.
“At first when got here, we started doing rescues—maybe the first day or two,” Schulman stated, “and since then, it’s shifted to kind of ensuring that we’ve found everybody.”
According to Schulman, his group found itself in a quiet area with perhaps 300 residents. The first emergency personnel that the locals had seen since the storm was the Illinois Water Rescue 1 squad.
Read Also: Tennessee Factory Tragedy: 11 Workers Swept Away by Helene’s Flooding, State Launches Investigation
“Some of them had felt like they were either so cut off or had been ignored,” Schulman stated, “and to see us show up—there were a few spots where we literally received heroes’ welcomes with people clapping us up.”
Even though the floods may have subsided, people in North Carolina’s hardest-hit areas are becoming more desperate.
In a North Carolina firehouse, the Illinois chief has been sleeping. The Illinois crew reported that their mission has been extended for a minimum of one more week.
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