Members of the Michigan Army National Guard are helping distribute cases of water and filters to people in Flint.
Governor Snyder activated the guard yesterday to assist with Flint’s drinking water crisis. The first half-dozen guardsmen arrived Wednesday morning.
“As we work to ensure that all Flint residents have access to clean and safe drinking water, we are providing them with the direct assistance they need in order to stretch our resources further,” Snyder said in a written statement. “The Michigan National Guard is trained and ready to assist the citizens of Flint.”
Standing next to Fire Station #1, Major John Keelean says people have been coming into pick supplies “non-stop."
“This is my fourth station I’ve visited, and there hasn’t been a break,” says Keelean, “So that tells me the need is pretty great.”
Another two dozen national guardsmen are due in Flint by the end of the week.
“I’m glad the state is putting in resources, and we welcome the Michigan National Guard with open arms,” Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said in a written statement. “However, we also need federal assistance as we continue to cope with this man-made water disaster.”
In addition to water and filters being available at five city fire stations, volunteers are fanning out across Flint, going door to door to deliver supplies to those in need.
