North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) continues to rescue people and pets in areas only assessable by aircraft due to the devastation from Helene. 

Crews are working on clearing roadways, but it will take weeks and months to clean up all the damage left by the historic storm.

People and pets are stranded in the mountains and need help. National Guard air crews are swooping in to help. 

There have been 146 flight missions which have rescued 538 people and 150 pets. People are seen clutching their beloved pets to their chest as they board the flight. NCNG shared, "Our National Guard air crews have airlifted multiple people and pets in need of medical assistance, including infants and elderly, directly to hospitals to receive care."

Rescue missions on the ground have resulted in saving 450 people across 13 counties. Hundreds of lives were saved thanks to the additional Soldiers and Airmen from 10 other states. 

Roughly 600,000 pounds of food and supplies have been airdropped in several locations across western North Carolina. NCNG posted, "Our Guardsmen are working to establish numerous supply points and are working day and night to distribute lifesaving resources on the ground and via air drops." 

Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation and claimed the lives of over 200 people. While hope is fading for survivors, over 1,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen will continue to search the hardest hit areas. 

The scenes in many of these places are described as "post-apocalyptic". They need our help to get the food and supplies they need to survive. Donate now to help people and pets in need.