BLACK SWAN - CC25NEWS03

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Ohio National Guard and Military Reserve Join Forces to Aid Portage County Flood Victims

Ravenna, OH – June 8, 2025 – The Ohio National Guard Homeland Response Force (HRF) and the Ohio Military Reserve (OHMR) have deployed to Portage County to assist residents grappling with severe flooding caused by a powerful summer storm that struck late Friday night. Following a week of heavy rainfall, the storm overwhelmed local waterways, including the Cuyahoga River, flooding communities like Ravenna and Kent, displacing hundreds, and leaving many without power or communication.

Portage County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) requested state assistance as floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and infrastructure, with some areas of Ravenna seeing water levels reach 4 feet. “The scale of this flooding is beyond our local capacity to handle alone,” said EMA Director Michael Smith. “The Ohio National Guard and Military Reserve have been a lifeline for our residents.”

The Ohio National Guard HRF, based out of Columbus, arrived Saturday morning with 150 personnel, bringing high-water vehicles, boats, and mobile command units. They’ve conducted over 60 water rescues in Ravenna, where entire neighborhoods near the Cuyahoga River were submerged. “We’ve been pulling people out of homes where the water was up to the windows,” said Major Daniel Carter of the HRF. “Our priority is getting people to safety and ensuring they have what they need.”

The Ohio Military Reserve, a state defense force, deployed 80 soldiers to support logistics and distribution efforts. Working alongside the Guard, the OHMR has set up a supply distribution point at Ravenna High School, handing out water, meals, and blankets to displaced.Multiple emergency shelters have been opened in Portage County. Ravenna High School is housing 180 families, while another shelter at Kent State University is accommodating 120 more. The American Red Cross is managing both, providing food, cots, and medical support. “Many of these folks lost everything to the floodwaters,” said Red Cross volunteer James Carter. “We’re trying to give them some comfort and stability.” Power outages affecting over 15,000 residents and disrupted cell service have made communication difficult, but the Guard’s mobile command units are providing satellite-based updates to keep residents informed.

Ohio National Guard HRF conducts water rescues in Ravenna on June 8, 2025

In Kent, the Guard and OHMR are assisting with sandbagging efforts along the Cuyahoga River to protect downtown businesses, many of which have already taken on water. The teams have also cleared debris from State Route 59, which was blocked by fallen trees and mudslides, restoring access for emergency vehicles. Meanwhile, the OHMR has been instrumental in coordinating with local volunteers, ensuring a steady flow of donations like clothing and hygiene kits to the shelters.

Local organizations are pitching in as well. The Portage County Health District is offering free health screenings at the shelters, addressing concerns about waterborne illnesses, while the Ravenna Elks Lodge has donated hot meals for evacuees. “This is a community effort,” Smith said. “The Guard and OHMR are leading the charge, but everyone’s coming together to help.”

Ohio Military Reserve makes preparations for flood evacuees at Ravenna High School on June 8, 2025

Governor Mike DeWine, who visited Portage County on Saturday afternoon, praised the state forces’ rapid response. “The Ohio National Guard and Military Reserve are doing incredible work to support Portage County,” he said, noting that FEMA assistance would arrive by Monday to provide additional resources. With more rain forecast, officials remain vigilant. “We’re preparing for the possibility of more flooding,” Smith said. “But with the Guard and OHMR here, we’re in a much stronger position to respond.”

A county hotline is available for residents to request aid, and the Red Cross is distributing cleanup kits. As Portage County battles the flood’s aftermath, the combined efforts of the Ohio National Guard HRF, Ohio Military Reserve, and local community are providing critical support to those in need.

This is a developing story.

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