New Jersey's Task Force One (NJ-TF1) is actively involved in search and rescue operations in North Carolina, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The team was deployed as the storm made landfall last week and has been conducting area searches and water rescues in areas severely affected by flooding.
The task force is fully equipped and has ample supplies to remain in North Carolina for two weeks or more if necessary. The team's efforts are part of a larger coordinated response to restore critical infrastructure and provide much-needed food, water, and other necessities to communities impacted by the hurricane.
According to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, search and rescue teams, including 16 from other states and 18 federal teams, have rescued more than 440 people and evacuated nearly 4,700 more. More than 400 people have been rescued by the NC National Guard.
The response to the crisis has been described as a "massive effort of coordination and logistics" by Governor Roy Cooper. As the search and rescue operations continue, local, state, federal, private, and non-profit partners are working together to provide food, water, shelter, and other basic necessities for people in need.
Despite the ongoing efforts, travel remains dangerous with approximately 400 roads still closed. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is urging people to refrain from unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. The focus is on restoring primary roads and access to communities that have been isolated by damage.
The NJ-TF1 is part of a network of 28 national urban search and rescue teams under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The team is made up of police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, as well as civilians.