Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) praised the acts of “heroism” enacted by various rescue teams from Virginia in response to Hurricane Helene, stating these natural disasters give people a chance “to come together and to help one another.”

While North Carolina has received the brunt of the hurricane’s damage, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee have also been affected, with Youngkin traveling to the southwestern part of his state over the weekend to survey the damage. The governor said it was “heartbreaking” to see communities “literally” washed away, adding that this hurricane provides a moment of unity within the country.