WASHINGTON − President Joe Biden announced on Monday that around 600 individuals remain unaccounted for following Hurricane Helene. He reassured affected communities that disaster relief is on its way, stating that “the nation has your back,” during his address at the White House.

“We will keep providing essential resources such as food, water, communication tools, and lifesaving equipment,” Biden affirmed. “I mean it − we will stay until we complete this task.”

Additionally, he mentioned plans to visit impacted areas later in the week.

“I understand that traveling now might cause disruptions,” he noted.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, authorities face significant challenges as the storm caused extensive destruction, widespread power outages in the Southeast, and claimed at least 100 lives. Biden stated he has been in contact with various governors, mayors, and local officials, noting the 600 missing people count, which decreased from 1,000 as cell service returned to some regions.

The president directed his team to ensure “every available resource is dispatched swiftly to your communities for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.”

Alongside FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission will play a role in re-establishing communication systems. The National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Defense are also set to provide support in debris clearing and supply delivery, as he explained.

Millions across several states are enduring outages, damaged roads and bridges, and destroyed buildings. The storm’s impact stretched from Florida to Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The powerful storm struck Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Thursday, generating winds of 140 mph. It has since weakened to a post-tropical cyclone with winds of about 25 mph.

On Sunday, Biden issued major disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina, allowing those affected to access funds and begin recovery without delay. Residents in 17 counties in Florida and 25 counties in North Carolina, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, are now eligible for FEMA assistance, as detailed by the White House.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visited Florida over the weekend to evaluate the damage with state and local leaders. She continued her assessments in parts of Georgia on Sunday and planned to head to North Carolina on Monday, according to the White House.

Over 3,300 federal personnel are currently deployed to assist with Hurricane Helene response efforts across the affected states, as reported by the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to shorten her campaign trip in Nevada on Monday to visit FEMA headquarters and review federal efforts for emergency response and recovery, according to an official from the White House.