Why Private Helicopter Pilots Say They Are Teaming Up for Hurricane Helene Recovery

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty

A helicopter relief organization says it has rescued more than 400 people from storm-ravaged areas of North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Operation Helo, which includes about 100 helicopters, banded together last week to help residents who are located in hard-to-access areas of the state,CNNreported.

The relief organization delivers supplies and also helps with medical evacuations and search and rescue operations,according to its Facebook page.

“We’re doing the best we can to keep these people alive,” co-founder Matt McSwain told CNN.

The organization has launched aGoFundMe fundraiserand has raised over $676,000 in its mission to help those affected in the region.

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“Many areas are inaccessible due to severe flooding, landslides and downed trees, leaving residents cut off from crucial supplies like food, water, and medical aid,” the organization wrote. “We need your help to fund helicopter fuel to airdrop life-saving aid to these remote areas.”

ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty

As of Friday, Oct. 4, Operation Helo had run over 500 missions and delivered over 250,000 lbs. of aid, according to the organization.

“The stories and pictures coming out of the area are more heartbreaking than anyone can imagine but with everyone’s help we are impacting and saving lives,” organizer Eric Robinson wrote.

In the immediate days after the storm last month, some first responders resorted to delivering supplies via mules, due to the mountainous topography and relative inaccessibility of the region.

Each of the pack animals can carry 200 pounds of supplies, including food, water, diapers, volunteer Mark Toberer told theAssociated Press.

To learn more about how to help with relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Helene,click here.

source: people.com