TEMA confirms 6 flood deaths in latest update

Faith Little

Tue, October 1, 2024 at 3:40 AM UTC

3 min read

TENNESSEE (WJHL) — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) released an updated report on the Northeast Tennessee region Monday night regarding flood impacts.

TEMA reported the Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed six weather-related fatalities:

One in Knox County
One in Johnson County
Three in Unicoi County
One in Washington County

Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy addressed the public on Monday, stating that the death count in his county had officially risen to two.

Unicoi Co. sends 3 bodies to JC forensics center

The release said the TBI has received more than 500 calls regarding missing individuals. Of those, 100 were still actively being investigated as of Sunday:

Carter County: 60
Johnson County: 2
Unicoi County: 10
Washington County: 30 (on Sunday)

Washington County Mayor Grandy updated his county’s numbers during a press conference on Monday, reporting the number of missing had dropped to 17.

According to TEMA, a Crisis Clean-Up Hotline under the number (844) 965-1386 has been established for those who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is reportedly at no cost to community members who request assistance.

Some Carter Co. communities ‘completely cut off,’ county mayor says

TEMA said a list of agency-approved donation centers for several counties can be found at Tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene.html. A fund with the East Tennessee Foundation has also been established for monetary donations.

The agency added that Gov. Lee on Monday requested an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. That request includes public and individual assistance.

“This request, if granted, would be in addition to the federal assistance that has already been authorized by FEMA for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties in the previous Emergency Declarations,” the release states.

TEMA said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is continuing use of its 1-800-TBI-FIND hotline as a means to report missing persons as a result of flooding.

“FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties,” the release states.

FEMA also approved Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support, at 75 percent federal funding for Hawkins and Washington counties, TEMA said.

The release said requests for assistance are being fulfilled through the State Emergency Operations Center, including private sector aide.

TEMA said as of Monday afternoon, there were around 9,600 reports of power outages statewide.

The release said the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) continues to monitor water levels at its dams.

Numerous wastewater treatment plants in the region are reporting issues, TEMA said:

Cocke County, Newport Utilities Board
Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Plant
Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
Unicoi County, Erwin Wastewater Treatment Plant (confirmed completely inoperable)

TEMA said the following localities have reported water system issues with boil advisories in place as of Monday:

Carter County—Elizabethton Water Department
Carter County—First Utility District of Carter County
Carter County—Hampton Utility District
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District
Johnson County—Mountain City Water Department
Unicoi County—Erwin Utilities Authority

TEMA said Interstate 26 remains closed indefinitely at mile marker 40 in Erwin, and Interstate 40 West is closed at the state line.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.

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