"We are going to prove to our region, to our state and to our nation, how strong a people we are," Erwin, Tennessee, Mayor Glenn White said.

Surviving employees alleged Impact Plastics told them to be at work and released them too late to escape floodwaters; the company has said it did not threaten to fire anyone.

Much of the southern Appalachian Mountain region is still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Helene ripped through the region and left unfathomable destruction in its wake. As the recovery continues,

They're not called the Volunteers for nothing. Tennessee football will wear "Mountain Strong" decals on their helmets to honor the victims of Hurricane Helene.