CHARLOTTE, N.C. — President Joe Biden ordered 500 additional active-duty troops to move into western North Carolina to assist with recovery from Hurricane Helene, the White House announced on Sunday.
Biden's decision came at the request of Gov. Roy Cooper, who asked the White House for additional support in mountain communities that were most impacted by Helene. These additional troops will support the nearly 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty and Fort Campbell who have been mobilized by the Department of Defense in coordination with FEMA to support western North Carolina. In total, more than 6,000 National Guardsmen have been deployed to communities in the Southeast since the storm hit, according to the White House.
"My administration will continue to stand with all impacted by these storms," Biden said in a statement.
Helene has been blamed for at least 235 deaths in the Southeast, including 115 in North Carolina alone. Cooper said Helene's death toll is expected to keep rising as search crews reach more remote areas in the state. Cooper is scheduled to visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure on Monday to survey storm damage. The governor has made multiple trips to western North Carolina since the storm, meeting with officials, first responders and volunteers in areas that were devastated by Helene.
"In moments like these, it's time to put politics aside," Biden said on X. "It's not one state versus others — it's the United States. I want you to know: I see you, I hear you, and I promise we have your back."
On Saturday, the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration announced North Carolina will receive $100 million in emergency relief funds to help pay for repairs caused by Helene. Hundreds of roads remain closed because of the storm, including a portion of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border, which is expected to be closed for "months at a minimum," according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Cooper said over 50,000 people have applied for FEMA assistance, telling reporters over $6 million has been distributed in North Carolina. He encouraged anyone with damaged property to apply as soon as possible for federal aid.