Middle Tennessee first responders continue to provide aid to flood victims

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Several law enforcement and emergency response agencies in Middle Tennessee are continuing to help flood victims in East Tennessee following Hurricane Helene.

At least four weather-related deaths have been reported in that region, including one in Johnson County, one in Unicoi County, and two in Cocke County. In addition, more than 150 people are unaccounted for across multiple counties as of 3:50 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

Even though Middle Tennessee experienced localized flooding and downed trees, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) described the damage in East Tennessee as “vast.” As of midday Sunday, the damage statistics on state roadways are as follows:

By late Sunday afternoon, the department reported its crews had inspected more than 100 bridges in the previous 36 hours, with hundreds more to go.

WATCH: TDOT updates storm damage to East Tennessee roads after widespread flooding

According to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, the biggest requests so far have been for bottled water and ambulances. Lt. Chris Vines and three Sumner County detectives traveled to affected areas to hand out water.

The Dickson County Sheriff’s Office also collected bottled water, filling an entire semi-truck and two mid-sized trailers. Sheriff Tim Eads said his deputies plan to make stops in Cocke, Greene, and Unicoi counties starting Monday, Sept. 30.

“We have all seen the flood damage in East Tennessee from the hurricane. Our brothers and sisters from the affected areas have reached out for help and we plan on doing just that,” said Eads.

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Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis and another deputy have also rendered aid in the region.  According to Davis, Unicoi County officials have asked for more cadaver dogs since they only have four on the ground, which can only work for two hours at a time without rest.

“As our people are being rescued, we will rejoice with them for their safety. As we locate our dead, we will mourn with their loved ones and show true love and compassion,” Glen White, mayor of Erwin, told reporters on Sunday.

Six Metro Nashville Police Department officers have also been deployed to East Tennessee, officials told News 2.

Middle TN agencies aid rescue missions in East TN after devastating floods

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has been involved in rescuing multiple people and animals from submerged buildings in the aftermath of the flooding, saying, “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support our officers have been receiving. Tennesseans have the best volunteer spirit and sense of community in the nation. We are proud to call Tennessee home.”

The agency urges community members not to deploy their own boats into the water since debris and swift water make navigation difficult.

As for the Middle Tennessee fire departments getting involved in relief efforts, Lawrence County Fire and Rescue and the Lawrenceburg Fire Department said their personnel have responded to a variety of incidents in East Tennessee Sunday, including the rescue of a wheelchair-ridden man who was in an area where roads had washed out, as well as search efforts that were impeded by heavy showers, eroded roads, and even a landslide that blocked a departure route. In addition, while trying to get teams across a heavily-eroded road, a volunteer firefighter’s 16-year-old son reportedly sustained deep lacerations to his left arm from a chainsaw accident, so he had to be brought to the nearest hospital.

Over in Maury County, the Maury County Fire Department said a team consisting of its personnel, along with personnel from Spring Hill, Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, and Lawrence County, left Sunday night for Unicoi County, where they plan to help with the foot search for more than 30 missing people.

The McMinnville Fire Department said it is taking donations to help those impacted by the storm damage in Helene. Community members are encouraged to drop off bottled water, packaged food items, personal care items, household cleaning items, tarps, flashlights, batteries, garbage bags, etc. at Station 1 or Station 2 by Friday, Oct. 4.

While it’s not an emergency response agency, Mt. Juliet 4 Hope is still compiling donations for the East TN Disaster Relief Fund. If you want to contribute, click here.

A fund with the East Tennessee Foundation has also been established to collect monetary donations for impacted counties, according to TEMA.

How to help victims of Hurricane Helene

TEMA advised civilians on Saturday, Sept. 28 to avoid visiting disaster areas until conditions become safer. The agency asked those who want to get involved with cleanup efforts to wait until local officials offer guidance. To read TEMA’s latest report outlining the status of power and utilities issues, missing persons totals, shelter locations, and responses from various state agencies, click here.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee National Guard said it is working with TEMA, providing 24-hour, ground and aerial rescue support to those in need.

On Friday, Sept. 27, officials said three UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters performed nearly 60 aerial rescues of Tennesseans trapped by floodwaters, including hospital staff and patients at Unicoi County Hospital.

The next day, seven Blackhawk helicopters from Knoxville and Nashville’s Berry Field continued rescue missions in East Tennessee. According to the Tennessee National Guard, not only did they save nearly 15 citizens, but they also performed critical missions like dam and bridge assessments, damaged area surveys, and transporting critical supplies. They are also working with Nashville Fire Department as part of Tennessee’s Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team to help those in need. These aviators continued rescue and relief operations throughout the affected areas on Sunday.

In addition, members of Smyrna’s 45th Civil Support Team — who are certified swift water rescue technicians — deployed to East Tennessee to help with rescue operations, authorities said.

“These missions are all being coordinated through the Tennessee Military Department’s Joint Emergency Operations Center…Today, they deployed a debris removal team, comprised of more than 50 engineering specialists from Trenton’s 230th Engineer Battalion and Knoxville’s 134th Air Refueling Wing, to East Tennessee to assist restoring critical infrastructure,” the Tennessee National Guard said in a statement Sunday afternoon. “The Tennessee National Guard is continuing rescue and relief efforts and will continue as long as needed. If someone needs assistance, please contact your local authorities.”

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The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has opened a hotline to report those who may be missing in the aftermath of the floods. Callers should be prepared to share as much information in their report as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification and last known location. However, callers are asked to refrain from inquiring about personal properties that may have gone missing in the area. To make a missing person report, call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

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