Gov. Wes Moore approved the deployment of the Maryland Army National Guard to North Carolina to aid communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Twelve National Guard soldiers from Maryland are assisting, along with two helicopters and three civilian firefighters, according to a Friday news release from the state’s National Guard.

“The First Lady and I are keeping everyone impacted by this devastating storm in our thoughts and are grateful to all first responders risking their lives for others,” Moore posted on the social media platform X on Sunday evening.

Seven of the soldiers and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter are in North Carolina to support heavy-lift and cargo missions within the state, according to the release.

Helping with potential water rescues in North Carolina, the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team is made up of one UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with five crew members from the Maryland Army National Guard and three rescue technicians from the Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery county fire departments.

“Our Soldiers are well-trained to provide essential, lifesaving services to the communities impacted by the storm here in Maryland and in this situation, across state lines,” said Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead in the release. “We are always ready to provide military support to civilian authorities and help our neighbors in need during a natural disaster,” adding condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones.

The Category 4 hurricane reached land on Friday in Florida, where it flooded streets, cars and buildings while winds ripped roofs off businesses, houses and churches.

On Saturday, North Carolina’s largest mountain city, Asheville, was hit heavily by the storm. Roads were damaged, and the area lost power. The city reported that 30 people were killed. Supplies were airlifted to the region around Asheville.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper predicts the death toll will rise as emergency workers tend to areas with collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.

The Associated Press contributed to this article. Got a news tip? Contact Tony Roberts at troberts@baltsun.com, 443-623-1817 or @TonyRobAegis on X.