Aug 31, 2008 2:15 pm US/Central
2 More Illinois Helicopters Out For Gustav
Crews To Perform Search And Rescue, Supply, Evacuation Missions
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (STNG) ―
Governor Rod Blagojevich on Sunday announced an increase in Illinois assistance for Hurricane Gustav relief efforts by activating two additional helicopters and their crews.
The helicopter support was requested by the State of Louisiana through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement that provides assistance during emergencies, according to a release from Blagojevich's office.
The two UH-60 "Blackhawk" helicopters and their crews will perform search and rescue missions, air movement of critical supplies and evacuation missions.
On Saturday, an Illinois Army National Guard CH-47D "Chinook" helicopters and its crew were deployed to Louisiana.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) officials are keeping in touch with EMAC to determine if there are any other requests for assistance Illinois can fill, the release said.
In 2005, Blagojevich directed the deployment of more than 2,500 Illinois responders to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Gustav is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and could reach the U.S. by as early as Monday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2008. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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