Tennessee Hospital Patients and Staff Stranded on Roof During Flooding
Catastrophic Flooding Traps Hospital Staff and Rescue Crews
A hospital in East Tennessee was evacuated by helicopter after catastrophic flooding from Tropical Storm Helene left hospital staff and rescue crews trapped by floodwaters.
Catastrophic flooding from Tropical Storm Helene forced a “dangerous rescue situation” at a hospital in northeast Tennessee.
Flooding Wreaks Havoc in East Tennessee
According to U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, Unicoi County Hospital staff and rescue crews in Erwin, Tennessee, were trapped by floodwaters and had to be rescued by helicopter. Friday afternoon, Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty said more than 50 people were safely evacuated from the hospital’s roof.
“Hagerty also said there’s ‘more trouble on the horizon for East Tennessee communities,'” reported Harshbarger.
Hospital Struggles to Keep Patients Safe
The hospital said on social media that county officials ordered an evacuation of the hospital Friday morning due to rising water in the Nolichucky River, including 11 patients.
Boats ordered up by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency were unable to safely evacuate the hospital, which was taking on flood water, the company said.
Rescue Efforts Underway
The hospital said 54 people were relocated to the roof and seven remained in rescue boats as the hospital was engulfed by “extremely dangerous and rapidly moving water.”
“The situation at the hospital is very dangerous and TEMA and National Guard resources are engaged in what can only be described as a dangerous rescue operation,” the hospital wrote, asking for prayers.
Tropical Storm Helene Wreaks Havoc in Southeastern United States
At least 30 people in four states have died since Helene made landfall Thursday night along Florida’s central Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen Rescues Woman from Atlanta Floodwater
FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen bravely rescued a woman who had driven into floodwaters in Atlanta early Friday morning.
Authorities continue to rescue people trapped by floodwaters and millions were without power across much of the southeastern U.S.
Conclusion
The flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene has led to a devastating situation for the hospital and its staff, as well as for the surrounding community. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the hospital is asking for prayers as they work to keep patients safe.
FAQs
Q: How many people were stranded on the hospital roof?
A: More than 50 people were safely evacuated from the hospital’s roof.
Q: How many people died due to Tropical Storm Helene?
A: At least 30 people in four states have died since Helene made landfall.
Q: What category was Tropical Storm Helene when it made landfall?
A: Tropical Storm Helene was a Category 4 storm when it made landfall along Florida’s central Gulf Coast.
Q: What efforts are being made to rescue people trapped by floodwaters?
A: Authorities continue to rescue people trapped by floodwaters, and National Guard resources are engaged in the effort.
Q: How many people were evacuated by helicopter?
A: Unicoi County Hospital staff and rescue crews in Erwin, Tennessee, were evacuated by helicopter.
Q: How many patients were relocated to the hospital roof?
A: 54 people were relocated to the hospital roof.
