Colorado crews assist in Hurricane Helene search and rescue efforts

DENVER (KDVR) — Millions of people in the southeast portion of the U.S. are without power and 56 people have been killed since Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night.

It brought torrential rain, flooding and 140 mph winds, causing significant damage, with North Carolina seeing the worst flooding in almost a century.

Asheville has been isolated after Helene wrecked roads and knocked out power and cell service

On Wednesday, Colorado Task Force One (CO-TF1) headed out for the 22-hour drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and then search and rescue efforts began.

"They've cleared almost a thousand waypoints which is either buildings, debris piles," said Bob Olme, program manager for CO-TF1 and division chief for West Metro Fire Rescue.

CO-TF1 consists of 45 members and is supported by various districts across Colorado.

"I have the very best of the best," Olme said. "I'm very proud of the people that make up the task force. They have to have an interest, they go through a competitive selection process."

Each individual has to complete about 30 courses of in-person and online training, and Olme said it's necessary for what they have to face.

"The storm surge is the worst because it moves buildings and then as the buildings begin to move, many times they collapse," Olme said. "Even using Google Earth or something to try and get an idea or an orientation may be not that helpful because the landscape has completely changed."

Olme said he does not have the numbers yet on how many people have been rescued by CO-TF1, but it is estimated hundreds of people in total have been rescued in Helene's aftermath. Regardless, he said he knows his team is proud to do what they can to help.

"They're highly trained. Very capable and certainly are humbled to be able to go out and help people that are in great need right now," he said.