Asheville, N.C. (828NewsNow) – Communities across the nation are rallying to direct aid to North Carolina in the wake of flooding from Hurricane Helene. When it comes to rescue and relief operations, many of those efforts are coming from above.

Two particular sources of airborne help are National Guard units from several states and a Texas-based organization called Operation Airdrop.

National Guard

The North Carolina National Guard has activated more than 500 soldiers and airmen, and over 200 vehicles and aircraft, including “hoist and emergency aviation assets,” and high-water response vehicles in Western North Carolina.

As of Sunday morning, they have completed 16 air missions, resulting in the rescue of 119 people and 11 pets. National Guard air assets have identified people on the ground and used social media and emergency calls to locate, identify and evacuate citizens.

Guard members airlifted multiple people, including an infant, in need of medical assistance directly to hospitals. The largest single mission saw the rescue of 41 people north of Asheville in Buncombe County, the NCNG said.

Air assets have moved more than 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water and medical supplies to distribute.

And they aren’t alone. In the past 48 hours, NCNG has been been joined by National Guard personnel and air assets from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Operation Airdrop

Operation Airdrop out of Bedford, Texas, is a collection of volunteer pilots who organized several years ago “to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis, ensuring that essential supplies reach those in need when traditional ground transportation is compromised.”

​They have set up a Flight Staging Base at Concord Regional Airport, 9000 Aviation Blvd. NW, Concord, NC. ​​Flights from there to areas in need will begin Monday morning.

“Multiple destinations have already been identified, with the largest being Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). We are also working to reach additional locations that have significant need, including remote areas where rotor operations will be essential,” the group said on their website.

​Supplies for the flights can be dropped off at the nearby Walmart Parking Lot, 5825 Thunder Rd NW, Concord, NC, starting Sunday afternoon.

​They have partnered with Miracle Movers to provide moving trucks for the collection and transportation of supplies to the airport hangar. Look for the designated Miracle Movers trucks when you arrive with your donations.

For more, go to the Operation Airdrop’s Operation Helene page.

MORE: How to help: Ways to donate to Hurricane Helene victims in our community