Following the significant impact of Hurricane Helene on Tennessee, a strong response operation is underway. The Tennessee Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (TN-HART) has been deployed to East Tennessee to assist with water rescue efforts in the affected city of Erwin, according to WSMV. The Nashville Fire Department, along with a Swift-Water Rescue crew, is participating in the mission, which has successfully rescued 23 individuals from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital.
As the storm's impact continued into Friday, TEMA reported that over 75,500 residents were without power by midday, a significant rise from the earlier count of 62,000, according to WKRN. The National Guard, Swift-Water Rescue teams, and other personnel remain on standby, ready to provide assistance amid the ongoing severe weather conditions.
Nashville's contribution to the relief efforts includes a contingent from the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Fire Department, assembled as a Type 2 Swiftwater team, equipped with boats, drones, and extrication tools. In tandem, the Tennessee National Guard is delivering ground and aerial support, having already engaged in a crucial medical rescue at Unicoi County Hospital. Despite indications of improved conditions circulating among the affected crowds, TEMA remains on high alert, ready to provide support as needed.
Evacuations increased throughout the day as water levels surged, following the example set in Roan Mountain and Embreeville. Over in Cocke County, Mayor Rob Mathis issued an emergency evacuation due to concerns over the Waterville Dam's integrity, which later proved to be mistakenly believed as a catastrophic failure, as documented by NewsChannel5.
Amid the ongoing calamity, Governor Bill Lee activated an executive order to expedite relief to storm victims and pressed for a Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA. Emergency management officials have set up shelters across the region, while the Salvation Army and other organizations coordinate aid and assess the community's needs.
