1,000 active-duty soldiers are to be stationed in western North Carolina

Up to 1,000 troops are deployed to help with relief efforts in western North Carolina, the White House said on Wednesday. Many communities are still cut off after Helene brought catastrophic flooding to the region last week.

The active-duty soldiers will join hundreds of North Carolina National Guard members already working in the region.

“These Soldiers will accelerate the delivery of life-saving food, water and medicine to remote communities in North Carolina – they have the manpower and logistical capabilities to complete this important task quickly,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.

“Hurricane Helene was a storm of historic proportions. My condolences go out to everyone who has suffered unimaginable losses. We are here for you – and we will stay here as long as it is necessary,” said the President.

According to the Department of Defense, the soldiers are part of the XVIII Airborne Corps based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and include members of the 82nd Airborne. The soldiers are expected to arrive in western North Carolina within 24 hours, the Defense Department said shortly before noon on Wednesday.

“The task force includes a Forward Support Company with the necessary support structures (fuel, water, mechanical, etc.) to assist FEMA in stabilizing critical lifelines and essential services to North Carolina communities,” the Department of Defense said in a statement .

“Their mission will include delivering relief supplies and goods to affected and isolated communities, assisting with supply point logistics at the goods storage locations, and clearing debris from affected routes,” the Defense Ministry said.

Many residents in western North Carolina are still without power, water or cell service five days after the storm.

Flooding, mudslides and fallen trees made many roads in western North Carolina impassable.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reopened Interstate 40 East on Tuesday, but is still working to clear and repair the smaller roads that people travel in the mountains.

Biden is traveling to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday to assess the damage to Helene.

Related article: Biden to visit North Carolina, South Carolina on Wednesday to survey damage to Helene; Harris heading to Georgia