In South Dakota, the National Guard was called in to help dig out thousands of people trapped in their homes, many without power, at the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, which saw at least 30 inches of snowfall.

Meanwhile, federal regulators are launching an inquiry into the preparedness of U.S. power systems for extreme weather events. Climate activists say the current fossil fuel-based energy system has again revealed its unreliability, and are urging for greater investment in sustainable energy infrastructure.

In Jackson, Mississippi, residents remain under a boil water notice after freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst. This is Danyelle Holmes, a volunteer at a water distribution site where drivers waited in long lines on Wednesday.

Danyelle Holmes: “In Jackson, Mississippi, of course, we know that this has been going on for the last 40, 50 years. And now it has reached its peak, where the infrastructure is crumbling.”