WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden is touring storm damage in the Carolinas caused by Hurricane Helene.

He’s also directed the deployment of soldiers to help with recovery efforts.

The White House says thousands from FEMA and other agencies are on the ground working to restore power, cell service and road access but they say there’s still a long way to go.

President Biden flew over the hardest hit areas in North and South Carolina before heading to a briefing in Raleigh.

The president said this won’t be his last time touring storm damage.

“I’m going to be going back again to other states. But here’s the thing, this natural disaster is incredibly consequential,” said Biden.

President Biden’s visit comes as the administration activates up to a thousand active-duty troops to go to North Carolina.

They’ll help the state National Guard deliver food, water and medicine to those stranded by the storm.

Florida Republican Congressman Mike Waltz criticized the federal government’s response in North Carolina.

“They weren’t ready. Now they’re in reaction mode, and people are dying because of it,” said Waltz.

Waltz says he’s open to the idea of Congress returning to pass disaster relief but says it might not be necessary.

“FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the administration can shift the money that it has,” said Waltz.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is meeting with first responders in Georgia.

The president will travel to Florida and Georgia Thursday to tour affected areas.

Former president Donald Trump said he wants to visit North Carolina later this week.