More than 150 people have died as communities begin to recover

1.3 million energy consumers still without electricity

Patrick SmithPatrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

While the lights have come back on in some communities, the wait continues for many.

As of 4 a.m. EST, more than 1.3 million power customers are still uninformed.

Nearly 500,000 customers are present in South Carolina, followed by almost 380,000 in Georgia and almost 350,000 in North Carolina.

Immediately after Hurricane Helene, approximately 4 million customers were left without power.

North Carolina’s drinking water crisis, days after flood disaster

Reports from SWAANNOA, North Carolina

Access to water is a critical need in western North Carolina, where the region is struggling in the days after flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Many water supply pipes were washed out. Some families are still trying to contact loved ones who have not been heard from. NBC News’ Sam Brock reports.