Following Hurricane Helene, over 2,000 inmates have been evacuated from North Carolina prisons as a safety precaution due to service disruptions. The NCDAC is actively managing the relocation amidst ongoing recovery efforts in the state and under the support of federal and state military resources. Search and rescue operations are still in progress, with efforts focused on restoring essential infrastructure.
Over 2,000 inmates from North Carolina prisons have been evacuated and relocated throughout the state due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. This announcement was made by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) on October 2, detailing the relocation of over 800 offenders from two prisons situated in western North Carolina. This figure contributed to a cumulative total of more than 2,000 individuals evacuated from five different correctional facilities. The evacuation efforts included relocating 405 female inmates on Monday, followed by 841 male inmates on Tuesday, and an additional 805 male inmates on Wednesday, as noted in NCDAC’s statement. The precautionary evacuation was deemed necessary due to anticipated lengthy restoration timelines for essential services such as water and electricity. In response to Hurricane Helene, known to be the 14th strongest storm to impact the United States, North Carolina, along with several other states including Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama, has been designated as disaster areas. To bolster response efforts, President Biden has deployed 1,000 active duty soldiers to assist across the affected states, focusing on transporting displaced individuals over difficult terrain, alongside providing fuel and water supplies. In addition, North Carolina has mobilized 700 national guard members actively engaged in debris removal, airlift operations, and search and rescue initiatives. Governor Roy Cooper stated in a press release on October 1, “As emergency responders continue search and rescue operations in Western North Carolina, local, state, federal, private and non-profit partners continue to work in concert to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities for people in need. Simultaneously, thousands of private sector and government employees are working 24/7 to restore critical infrastructure including power, water, wastewater treatment, cellular phone service and internet connectivity.” The NCDAC has requested that the families of relocated inmates refrain from making phone calls to check on their loved ones due to communication disruptions in western North Carolina, which prioritize emergency calls. Families may utilize NCDAC’s Offender Locator to ascertain the current whereabouts of their friends or family members. According to the NCDAC website, all evacuated offenders will return to their original facilities as soon as deemed safe, though a timeline for these returns has yet to be established. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, and individuals needing assistance are encouraged to contact NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 for non-emergency support. Additionally, those affected by the storm are invited to reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support.
The evacuation of inmates in North Carolina is a significant response to the natural disaster caused by Hurricane Helene, classified as a major storm that unleashed destructive impacts across several southeastern states. This proactive measure undertaken by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) aims to ensure the safety and security of inmates due to disruptions in services essential for their wellbeing. The state has mobilized military and national guard resources to aid in disaster response efforts, reflecting the urgency and coordination required to address the aftermath of such catastrophic events.
In summary, the evacuation of over 2,000 inmates from North Carolina prisons is a crucial response to the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. The coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal authorities exemplify the importance of emergency management in safeguarding individuals’ safety during crises. The situation remains dynamic as recovery and restoration efforts continue, with authorities working tirelessly to return evacuated inmates to their original facilities as soon as it is safe to do so.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
