Keystone Today

In the wake of one of the largest and deadliest storms in the history of Buffalo, New York, Pennsylvania is sending help to the region.

According to a release by Gov. Tom Wolf on Dec. 29, snow removal equipment and personnel will be sent to the region of western New York that was hit by more than 4 feet of snow in an effort to help emergency personnel in their response. It has been reported by news sources, including CNN, that there have been at least 39 fatalities in Erie County. Victims were found by emergency personnel trapped outside, inside their homes, in their cars or while removing heavy snow.

“The astounding pictures and video out of Buffalo remind us that the weather can completely interrupt our plans, sadly with deadly consequences,” Wolf said in a release. “Pennsylvanians know how debilitating winter storms can be, and we’re happy that we can support our neighbors to the north when they need our help.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has sent nine dump trucks and operators to clear snow in and around greater Buffalo. They arrived Dec. 29 and will work around the clock.

This assistance is through the Emergency Management Alliance Compact (EMAC), a formal agreement between every state, Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Guam; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Northern Mariana Islands for disaster relief. This allows for sharing of resources, personnel and equipment. Costs are paid by the requesting state, in this case New York.