Hurricane Eta response
Helicopteros de Guatemala worked hard to provide SAR services after Hurricane Eta hit Central America © Helicopteros de Guatemala
Helicopters prove key in search and rescue and humanitarian aid efforts in Central America
Chris Sharpe of Black Wolf Helicopters told AirMed&Rescue: “Over 2.5 million people have had their lives affected in Central America because of the Hurricane Eta. Resulting in villages being entombed by landslides and already full rivers bursting their banks, many families were stranded for two days before the weather abated to allow rescue efforts to commence.
Despite Covid-19, the tight knit aviation community rallied together throughout the regions to provide both local and cross border support. Flying every day for more than a week, helicopters have provided everything from tons of humanitarian supplies, incident command reconnaissance to search and rescue, saving thousands of people stranded on rooftops due to floodwaters.”
A Coast Guard Helicopter Tactical Squadron (HITRON) MH-65 Dolphin aircrew forward deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca assist Hondurans near Puerto Lempira, Honduras, by providing urgent search and rescue and redistribution of relief aid
© US Coast Guard
US Military involvement
A Coast Guard Helicopter Tactical Squadron (HITRON) MH-65 Dolphin aircrew forward deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC-906) provided humanitarian assistance, Friday, to Honduran villages after Hurricane Eta impacted the country.
The HITRON aircrew and Seneca crew medevaced multiple people and redistributed relief aid across the hurricane impacted area as needed.
“I am very thankful to have been able to assist in the medevac and rescue efforts following the wake of Hurricane Eta in Honduras,” said Petty Officer 1st Class James Mann, a HITRON flight mechanic. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Honduran people and our fellow service members continuing to help them rebuild. We wish for a speedy recovery to all those affected.”
“The Seneca is proud to be assigned to CTF-45 and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Honduras,” said Cmdr. Matthew Rooney, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca. “Our embarked MH-65 helicopter was well suited to provide medical evacuations, conduct aerial surveys of critical infrastructure and deliver emergency supplies in remote areas. The Seneca's crew performed magnificently, and I am grateful that we could provide assistance after Hurricane Eta made landfall in Honduras.”