US military called up as 1,000 soldiers help Hurricane Helene emergency response

Watch: US deploys soldiers to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has mobilised 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in recovery efforts helping communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

The Category 4 storm unleashed some of the worst flooding in generations throughout the southeastern states of Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.

At least 190 people have been killed, making it the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland since Katrina in 2005.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) had requested military assistance.

The 1,000 troops deployed are part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force, formed from the XVIII Airborne Corps, which includes members of the 82nd Airborne and other units stationed at Fort Liberty in North Carolina.

Soldiers from the 3-265th Air Defense Artillery clear road debris in Florida 270924 CREDIT US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE — Soldiers from the 3-265th Air Defence Artillery clear road debris in Cedar Key in Florida (US Department of Defence)

They will deliver support and commodities to impacted and isolated communities, assisting with supply point logistics at commodity staging locations and removing debris from affected routes.

The task force also includes a Forward Support Company with the necessary support structures like fuel, water and mechanics to support Fema in stabilising critical lifelines and essential services for communities in North Carolina.

Elsewhere, US Army and US Navy helicopters have been moving personnel and supplies in areas without road access.

Soldiers from the HHC 1-111th AVN GSAV (General Support Aviation) conduct search and rescue operations after Hurricane Helene 270924 CREDIT US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE — US Air Force helicopters have been providing search and rescue capabilities (Picture: US Department of Defence)

US Air Force helicopters are also providing search and rescue capabilities.

The US Army's high-wheeled vehicles are moving personnel and supplies over roads and terrain damaged or impassable to normal vehicles.

The Army Corps of Engineers Temporary Power Teams are supporting debris removal, water and wastewater management, as well as bridge inspections.

Troops assisted families unable to drive their cars to shelters during high water reconnaissance in Crystal River, Florida (US Department of Defense) — Troops assist families unable to drive their cars to shelter due to high water levels in Crystal River in Florida (US Department of Defence)

Additionally, the National Guard has activated more than 6,500 Guardsmen, hundreds of High Water Vehicles and dozens of helicopters and rescue boats from 12 different states.

These Guardsmen have been spearheading the response effort across the impacted region, providing critical lifesaving and life-sustaining support.