Up to 1,000 troops have been activated to help with relief efforts in western North Carolina, the White House said Wednesday. Many communities are still in lockdown after Helene caused catastrophic flooding in the region last week.

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

“These soldiers will accelerate the delivery of lifesaving supplies of food, water and medicine to isolated communities in North Carolina – they have the manpower and logistics capabilities to get this critical job done, and quickly,” President Joe Biden said in his speech. a statement.

“Hurricane Helene has been a storm of historic proportions. My heart goes out to everyone who has suffered unthinkable losses. We are here for you – and we will stay here for as long as it takes,” the president said.

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

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

“Their mission includes delivering support and supplies to affected and isolated communities, assisting with supply point logistics at supply staging areas, and removing debris from affected routes,” the DOD said.

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

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

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

Biden will travel to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday to assess Helene’s damage.

Related article: Biden visits North Carolina, South Carolina on Wednesday to assess Helene’s damage; Harris on his way to Georgia