 |
| Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr |
Horseshoe Beach, FL: On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update on the state's response to Hurricane Helene, highlighting the ongoing support for North Carolina through "Operation Blue Ridge." The initiative was launched to assist with recovery and rescue efforts in Western North Carolina, where the storm caused significant damage, particularly in mountainous areas.
“Once the storm passed, we saw how Helene made major impacts far inland, particularly in the mountainous areas of Western North Carolina," DeSantis explained. "So we activated and stood up Operation Blue Ridge to help with recovery and rescue assistance in those areas, as well as in Eastern Tennessee."
Florida has deployed multiple resources, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, the Florida National Guard, and the Department of Transportation, to aid in the recovery efforts. DeSantis shared that a convoy from the Florida Department of Transportation had already been dispatched to North Carolina, bringing with it essential supplies, including temporary bridges.
"We’ve got 7,500 feet of temporary bridges en route to assist in roadway repair," DeSantis said. "The roads in that region are already challenging, and now many are damaged or washed out, making it difficult for people to travel."
In addition to infrastructure support, DeSantis noted the critical role of rescue operations. Just yesterday, a joint team from the Florida State Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission rescued a mother and her one-year-old child, safely transporting them to a hospital. Over the last 24 hours, Florida National Guard Chinook helicopters delivered 20,000 pounds of food to areas in critical need in North Carolina.
Operation Blue Ridge is also assisting Floridians who may be in Western North Carolina or surrounding areas and in need of rescue. Floridians affected by the storm can submit a request for assistance at FloridaDisaster.org under the Operation Blue Ridge section.
“Many Floridians spend their summers in that part of the country, and while most leave by September, there are still some there,” DeSantis said. “If you need help, we want to get you out of there safely.”
Governor DeSantis emphasized that Operation Blue Ridge is a long-term effort to help the impacted communities recover. "This is going to be a serious effort to help get these communities back on their feet," he assured, adding that Florida’s state assets are fully committed to supporting both Floridians and residents of North Carolina in their time of need.
The governor concluded by expressing his gratitude to the teams working on the ground and reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the recovery efforts.
FAQ: Operation Blue Ridge and Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Q1: What is Operation Blue Ridge?
- A1: Operation Blue Ridge is an initiative launched by Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida to provide recovery and rescue assistance to Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The operation involves deploying Florida's emergency response teams and resources to aid affected communities.
Q2: Why is Florida involved in helping North Carolina?
- A2: Hurricane Helene caused significant damage far inland, including the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Tennessee. Florida’s state agencies have the resources and expertise to assist in disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, many Floridians were in these areas at the time of the storm and require help returning home or receiving aid.
Q3: What resources has Florida deployed to North Carolina?
- A3: Florida has deployed the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Department of Transportation, and Fish and Wildlife teams. They have sent temporary bridges, emergency response vehicles, and supplies, including 20,000 pounds of food delivered by the Florida National Guard’s Chinook helicopters.
Q4: What are the temporary bridges, and why are they necessary?
- A4: Florida has sent 7,500 feet of temporary bridges to assist in repairing damaged roadways in Western North Carolina. The terrain in this region is challenging, and many roads and bridges were damaged by Hurricane Helene, making it difficult for residents to access necessary resources.
Q5: How have the rescue operations been conducted?
- A5: Rescue teams from Florida, including the Florida State Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, have been actively working in the affected areas. For example, a joint team recently rescued a mother and her one-year-old child, safely evacuating them to a hospital. The Florida National Guard is also delivering food and supplies to critical areas.
Q6: How can Floridians in North Carolina seek assistance?
- A6: Floridians who need assistance in Western North Carolina or surrounding areas can submit a request for help through the website FloridaDisaster.org under the section for Operation Blue Ridge.
Q7: How long is Operation Blue Ridge expected to continue?
- A7: Operation Blue Ridge is a long-term initiative aimed at helping the impacted communities recover fully. The duration will depend on the extent of the damage and the progress of recovery efforts.
Q8: How are the Florida National Guard and other state agencies assisting in the recovery efforts?
- A8: In addition to rescue operations, Florida National Guard Chinook helicopters have delivered critical food supplies to areas in need. Florida’s Department of Transportation has also dispatched resources to repair damaged infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
Q9: How is Florida addressing regulatory issues to speed up the recovery?
- A9: Governor DeSantis has indicated that Florida is committed to removing any red tape or bureaucratic barriers that may hinder recovery efforts. The state is using its emergency authority to bypass certain restrictions and facilitate a quicker recovery.
Q10: How can the public stay informed about Operation Blue Ridge updates?
- A10: Updates about Operation Blue Ridge and the recovery efforts are available on FloridaDisaster.org, as well as through official statements from Governor DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Residents are encouraged to monitor these sources for the latest information.
Comments
Post a Comment
If You have any doubt, please let me know.