73 missing in Unicoi County, no confirmed deaths, per officials

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been edited to reflect clarified information. Unicoi EMA Director Jimmy Erwin said the flooding in the county was deadly on Saturday, but an Incident Management Team member clarified Sunday morning that no deaths as a result of flooding had occurred.

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Seventy-three people are unaccounted for in Unicoi County Sunday after the Nolichucky River swelled and flooded swathes of the area, causing widespread damage.

Unicoi County Emergency Management Director and Incident Commander Jim Erwin issued a news release on Saturday afternoon.

Erwin stated Saturday that an estimated 33 people were missing in Unicoi County, and on Sunday, that number had grown to 73.

During a press conference on Saturday, Erwin confirmed there were deaths in connection to the flooding, but Incident Management Team member Myron Hughes on Sunday clarified during a conference that no deaths have officially occurred “as a result of flooding.” Hughes said this was a clarification from Saturday’s conference, where it was reported that there had been confirmed deaths.

The Unicoi County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has requested aid from multiple other agencies as search and rescue operations continue.

“Approximately 75% of the water has receded, allowing for search and rescue operations that are currently underway,” the release states. “The Nolichucky River is estimated to have swelled approximately 30 feet, causing widespread destruction of property and structures.”

Unicoi County suffered extensive damage amid the flooding. More than 50 people had to be rescued by helicopter from the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital, and a portion of Interstate 26 in the county remains closed due to the flooding.

“We are extremely proud of the selfless response mounted immediately and decisively by our local responders, who continue to work alongside assisting agencies to assess the extent of the damage,” Erwin said.

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. The release states operating crews will follow up with callers as soon as possible.

Those who would like to volunteer to support recovery efforts should call 423-560-0269.

Donations in Unicoi County are being accepted at Southside FWB Church at 1313 Chestoa Pike in Erwin. The donation center will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day and is accepting new underwear and socks, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and trash bags.

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