DeWine Deploys Ohio National Guard as Severe Flooding Strikes Perry, Muskingum Counties
More than 200 Perry County residents evacuated; Guard members and tactical vehicles will support rescue operations
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has deployed 40 members of the Ohio Army National Guard to assist with emergency rescues and evacuations following severe flooding in Perry and Muskingum counties.
DeWine announced the deployment Tuesday after declaring a state of emergency in both counties.
The Guard members are assigned to the 1484th Transportation Company in North Canton and the 1485th Transportation Company in Coshocton. They will use 20 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to support local rescue and evacuation efforts.
According to DeWine’s emergency proclamation, multiple rounds of storms began moving across Ohio on Aug. 10, bringing heavy rainfall to already saturated ground. The storms prompted numerous severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service.
Perry County experienced widespread flash flooding that brought down trees and power lines, damaged roadways and caused multiple power outages. The county’s Emergency Operations Center was among the facilities that lost electricity.
More than 200 Perry County residents were forced to evacuate their homes because of the flooding. Local officials and the American Red Cross established multiple shelters for displaced residents.
Muskingum County emergency crews have been providing mutual aid to Perry County, including assistance with water rescues. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also dispatched several swift-water rescue boats to the area.
The Ohio Emergency Operations Center moved from assessment and monitoring status to partial activation to coordinate assistance for counties affected by the severe and rapidly developing rainfall.
State officials said excessive rainfall could continue through Aug. 13, increasing the threat of additional flooding across Ohio. DeWine said the emergency declaration could be expanded to include other counties as officials continue assessing damage.
Under the proclamation, state departments and agencies are directed to provide personnel, equipment, supplies and other resources needed for response and recovery operations. The order also authorizes the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to coordinate any necessary state and federal response.
The emergency declaration took effect immediately and may remain in place for up to 90 days unless DeWine ends or extends it.
