Official reports from Unicoi County Emergency Management or local news

58 People Rescued from Roof of Unicoi County Hospital Amid Hurricane Helene Flooding

Sep 27, 2024, 08:30 PM

More than 50 people, including patients and staff, were stranded on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, due to catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The floodwaters quickly surrounded the hospital, making all roads impassable and resulting in the loss of several police cruisers and ambulances. Floodwaters from the Nolichucky River began rising early Friday, complicating evacuation efforts. Emergency crews attempted to evacuate the people by ambulance and boats, but the rapidly rising waters made these efforts impossible. A SWAT team, which happened to be training nearby, assisted in the rescue operations. Virginia State Police led the helicopter rescues, successfully airlifting at least 58 people to safety. The rescue mission is ongoing as floodwaters continue to pose a significant threat.