Recently, East Tennessee was devastated by severe floods caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage is horrific. Over 600 homes are damaged and at least 120 homes are completely destroyed.
On top of that, many others are left without power and water. On Oct. 2, the federal government approved a major disaster declaration for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington, which will make federal funding available for those hard hit counties.
Tennessee’s first responders have worked tirelessly to help rescue those in need and make devastated areas safe. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee National Guard, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Department of Transportation and other local and state first responders are all working together to help citizens who have been affected.
Entire roads and bridges have been wiped out, making getting essential supplies like food, water and medical care to people extremely difficult. I appreciate the hard, life-saving work of all our first responders assisting in clean-up and recovery.
While volunteer efforts are limited at this time, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has instructed citizens to avoid areas affected by the flood, there are still ways each of us can offer our care and support to our fellow Tennesseans affected by this disaster.
First and foremost, we can lift up those affected in prayer.
Additionally, there are several donation opportunities to assist in recovery efforts.
While upper East Tennessee is not close in proximity to our communities, they are close to our hearts during this time. We can sympathize with their situation. Not only do we share an incredible home state, the Volunteer State, which has a record of banning together to help those in need, but we also share a similar experience. It was only a few years ago in 2021, when our district and surrounding counties were affected by devastating flooding after being pummeled with heavy rains.
Much like in Upper East Tennessee, we had entire homes and communities destroyed with many who unfortunately lost their lives. We understand the fear, heartbreak, and resilience required to rebuild communities. As many in our own communities are still recovering, those dealing with the aftermath of flooding today have a long road ahead to recovery.
It is in difficult times like this that the Volunteer Spirit and neighborliness so prolific in our state, really shine.
Please join me in praying for the health and safety of all those affected by the flooding and for God to grant them strength to push through this difficult time. While their communities will recover, they will never be the same. We can attest to that. But we pray they will regain strength and the improved sense of community that can follow a devastating disaster like this.
Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, gives a weekly update in legislation in the 113th General Assembly .
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Hensley: Pray for East Tennessee in aftermath of Hurricane Helene
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