Michigan Army National Guard soldiers deploy to assist with debris removal and road clearing after devastating flooding in South Carolina.

Michigan Troops Answer the Call for Hurricane Helene Relief

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, approximately 40 soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1436th Engineer Company have been mobilized to assist South Carolina communities severely impacted by the storm. Based out of Montague, the soldiers will focus on clearing debris and reopening roadways, aiding local and federal authorities in the ongoing disaster relief efforts.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the National Guard’s swift response, stating, “Michiganders are tough and we always help those in need. Our National Guard soldiers and Michigan Task Force 1 Swiftwater Team are risking their own lives to save others, honoring their duty and the values that define who we are.”

Focus on Debris Removal and Road Clearing

The Michigan soldiers will work alongside South Carolina authorities to clear debris that has rendered roads impassable, making it difficult for affected residents to receive critical aid. First Lieutenant Brock Cristal, executive officer for the 1436th Engineer Company, emphasized the importance of their mission: “Our focus in South Carolina will be to help clear roadways and areas overcome by debris so that members of these communities can more readily receive the support they desperately need.”

The mobilization follows a request through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national mutual aid agreement allowing disaster-stricken states to seek assistance from others. South Carolina’s request came as the state struggled to manage widespread flooding and storm damage following the hurricane. All costs associated with the deployment are covered by the requesting state.

Michigan Task Force 1 Completes North Carolina Mission

This deployment comes on the heels of the return of Michigan Task Force 1 (MI-TF1), which had been deployed to North Carolina in late September to aid with rescues following severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The 19-member swiftwater team spent seven days operating in dangerous conditions, conducting 28 rescues and evacuations, and covering more than 3,000 acres in one of the hardest-hit areas, Chimney Rock. MI-TF1’s missions included saving residents trapped by floodwaters and rescuing three first responders and a civilian trapped in a boat pinned against a bridge.

The team, which operated under the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MI-MABAS), was demobilized on October 3 and returned to Michigan on October 4. Their efforts in North Carolina underscore Michigan’s ongoing commitment to assisting other states in times of crisis.

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