Hundreds of people killed, thousands of homes destroyed, millions without power, 50 billion in dollar damages.

Back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late September and early October devastated the southeastern corner of the nation.

In addition to the hurricanes, the Milton storm spawned 140 tornadoes, compounding the damage in Florida.

The path of destruction stretched over 500 miles from Florida to the Southern Appalachians – including Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

Thousands of volunteers from across the country responded to an urgent call for help, including employees of Oklahoma electric companies and first responders.

“Due to the hurricanes our local electric company (OG&E) put together a team to assist in relief efforts across the east coast,” said Investigator Kevin Branscum, with the Okmulgee-Mc-Intosh County District Attorney’s office.

Branscum talked about the experience after he returned.

He said the team created by OG&E included 100 linemen and equipment as well as about 10 area lawmen.

“We responded first to South Carolina before traveling to the Tampa (Florida) area,” he said.

The lawmen were along to help control looting and other crimes.

“Unfortunately, with natural disasters comes an increase of crime and the need for assistance and personal protection,” he said. “The officers assisted in providing logistic coordination and asset security for the team and equipment 24 hours a day.”

The team traveled to ground zero for the hurricane and assisted in their efforts as OG&E and other electric companies restored power to over three million customers who had been without.

“One of our assigned areas was Sarasota, south of Tampa. This area was hit pretty hard. There were boats lodged into houses, in the middle of the road and on top of power lines. Sand from the ocean was piled several feet deep in the middle of the roadway. Marinas had extensive damage with numerous sunk boats. Roads were damaged and washed away in places and debris littered everywhere.”