TBI establishes missing persons hotline following major flooding

Tenn./N.C./Va. (WJHL) — Dozens of families are searching for stranded or missing loved ones after severe flooding hit the region on Friday.

Community members have taken to social media to create reunification groups , and area law enforcement agencies are assisting with search and rescue operations non-stop.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), agents have established a hotline to better coordinate reports of missing people in flood-affected areas.

Anyone wishing to report a missing individual is asked to prepare as much information as possible–such as last known location, name and phone number, vehicle description and other identifying factors–then call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

The TBI said information gathered will be immediately shared with local law enforcement agencies in the response area for further follow-up.

Anyone who has not been able to get in contact with a loved one in Unicoi County is asked to call 423-560-0261 with information. A release from Unicoi County Emergency Management Director and Incident Commander Jim Erwin states operating crews will follow up with callers as soon as possible.

Erwin said that an estimated 33 people are missing in the county, and no deaths have been reported so far.

Greene County Emergency Management officials said community members concerned about missing people in that county or Greeneville should call 423-798-1729.

Loss of power and failed cellphone service have complicated reunification efforts among first responders and families alike.

News Channel 11 will provide updates and resource phone numbers as they become available.

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