The death toll from Hurricane Helene rises to 189, making it the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina

The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene rose to at least 189 people as of Wednesday evening, The Associated Press reported. This makes it the deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland since Katrina

The storm surge, wind damage and inland flooding from Hurricane Helene were catastrophic, flooding neighborhoods, stranding residents and destroying homes in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

As recovery efforts continued across the Southeast, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to the region on Wednesday to survey the destruction as rescuers continue to search for missing people.

“I’m here to say that the United States — the nation — stands behind you,” Biden told a crowd in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We’re not leaving until you’re fully back on your feet.”

Helene, which made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday evening as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, was the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the Big Bend region.

1.2 million customers are still without power in some southern states

As recovery efforts continue from the catastrophic force of Hurricane Helene, 1.2 million customers are still without power in some southern states.

As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1,276,750 customers were without power across the South, according to poweroutage.us.

RELATED: How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Helene: Charities and Organizations Supporting the Relief Effort

The hardest hit states are South Carolina with over 484,410 customers without power, North Carolina with over 343,632 customers without power, and Georgia with over 354,418 customers without power.

Outages are also reported in Florida (40,724 customers), Virginia (40,184 customers) and West Virginia (13,382 customers).

Biden is sending up to 1,000 active-duty troops to support the NC National Guard

President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he had ordered the deployment of “up to a thousand active-duty troops to reinforce the North Carolina National Guard.” The announcement comes as Biden is set to travel to South Carolina and North Carolina on Wednesday to study the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

“These Soldiers will expedite 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. They will join hundreds of soldiers.” “Members of the North Carolina National Guard deployed among state agencies supporting the response,” Biden said in the statement.

RELATED: After Helene, the search continues for numerous relatives who were missing after the devastating storm

“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 needed,” Biden added.

The White House fact sheet said soldiers will “support the delivery of food, water and other essential supplies” to affected communities. The fact sheet adds that the deployment is effective immediately. According to the government, the soldiers are part of the Infantry Battalion Task Force based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, which also includes a Forward Support Company.

Bipartisan senators are calling on Congress to address the damage from Hurricane Helene

In a joint letter released Tuesday, Senate leaders Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell and several other senators on both sides of the political spectrum called on Congress to meet in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

“While the true extent of the devastation is still emerging, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scale and scope of the devastation our constituents have experienced,” the States wrote – and heads of government in the letter.

The senators suggested Congress meet in October to “ensure we have enough time to pass legislation before the end of this calendar year.”

“Tens of millions of Americans were affected by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those affected by this terrible storm,” the senators wrote.

Help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Your donation will enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from this disaster. Donate now at redcross.org/abc.