Mayor: 2 dead in Cocke County after flooding

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis has shared that two people are dead after flooding in the county in the aftermath of Helene.

Mathis shared about the two deaths during an update on social media, adding that the county has no more missing persons. He said the county is still working to assess the damage, get the power back on and restore water service to everyone. In addition, Cocke County Schools are closed through October 4.

“We still have people from Highway Patrol, other counties, all kinds of folks from all over the region are here to help us and we’re here to help you. And again, just as we did not rest until every single person was rescued, we will still not rest until every one of you gets the help that you need and this was resolved and God bless you all,” said Mathis.

Newport Utilities declared a state of emergency on Sunday for all water operations and asked customers to observe critical water conservation protocols . Saturday morning FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance was available to Tennessee after President Joe Biden approved an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee. On Friday, Mathis ordered downtown Newport to evacuate and declared a State of Emergency for Cocke County due to flooding.

Two additional deaths have been confirmed in Tennessee by the state Department of Health, one in Unioci County and one in Johnson County .

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