COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine has activated 40 members of the Ohio Army National Guard to assist with emergency rescue and evacuation operations in Perry and Muskingum counties following severe flooding.
DeWine declared a state of emergency in both counties before ordering the National Guard deployment Tuesday.
The 40 Guard members are based out of the 1484th Transportation Company in North Canton and the 1485th Transportation Company in Coshocton.
The troops will assist local emergency responders with rescue and evacuation efforts in areas affected by the flooding.
The Ohio National Guard will deploy 20 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) as part of the response. The vehicles will be used to help reach residents and transport people from areas impacted by floodwaters.
The activation comes as emergency crews continue responding to dangerous flooding conditions across parts of central and eastern Ohio.
State and local officials are urging residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and avoid flooded roads. Even relatively shallow moving water can pose a serious danger to motorists and pedestrians.
Additional information about the Guard’s deployment and the ongoing flood response is expected as conditions develop.
