Official statements from Ballad Health or local authorities

Over 50 Stranded on Roof of Erwin, Tennessee Hospital Due to Hurricane Helene Flooding

Sep 27, 2024, 06:59 PM

More than 50 people, including patients and staff, are stranded on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, due to catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The rising floodwaters have made all roads to the hospital impassable, complicating evacuation efforts. Emergency crews attempted to evacuate people by ambulance and boats, but the rapid rise and movement of the water thwarted these efforts. Several police cruisers and ambulances have been lost in the flood. Rescue operations are currently underway, with helicopters from the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base being deployed to assist in the evacuation. A SWAT team, which happened to be training nearby, has also been involved in the rescue efforts. According to Ballad Health, the hospital has been cut off from land.