This story originally appeared on FLYING.com. National Guard units from across the United States are converging on North Carolina to provide assistance to those affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The North Carolina National Guard announced the deployment of over 200 vehicles and aircraft, specifically mentioning "hoist and emergency aviation assets," alongside more than 500 soldiers and airmen within the state. In a post on X on Monday afternoon, the Guard stated, "NC Air National Guard is hauling over 100,000 pounds of supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a C17 to Western North Carolina as part of Helene support." Nationally, approximately 5,500 Guard members have been deployed across 11 states for Helene relief operations. The North Carolina Air National Guard is pictured transporting over 100,000 pounds of supplies from FEMA via a C17 aircraft to Western North Carolina in support of Tropical Storm Helene efforts. (Photo: NC National Guard) In regions where road access is impossible, helicopters are crucial for airlifting supplies and conducting rescues of stranded individuals. Images from the affected areas depict people boarding military helicopters, carrying bundles of clothing, household pets, and the limited possessions they managed to salvage from the floodwaters. Many areas devastated by the flooding are accessible only by air due to roads being obstructed by flood debris, fallen power lines, mud, and submerged vehicles.