Washington County, Tenn. working to clean Hurricane Helene aftermath

LAMAR, Tenn. (WJHL)—The Washington County Tennessee Sheriff’s Office and EMS set up a command post at Lamar Elementary School to begin clean-up work and search-and-rescue efforts.

“We had multiple teams in the affected area already, so they were able to affect rescues and have been there since yesterday,” said Dan Wheeley, Washington County EMS Chief. “They spent the night down there. We were able to fly some supplies and stuff into them last night.”

Different departments worked to clear and open roadways for those stranded.

“We know there’s houses that have been washed away, roadways have been washed away, we know there’s bridges that have collapsed,” said Wheeley. “It’s really been very difficult to access these areas because we can’t we can’t get across the river; as it recedes with boats and things, we can start getting across it if needed.”

Wheeley told News Channel 11 that he had worked with EMS since 1995, and he had never seen a storm this bad and with this much destruction.

“We’ve had several floods over the time and some tornadoes, but I’ve never seen the damage from any of those events to the level that it is now,” said Wheeley. “Not just with potential loss of life and damage to structures, but damage to infrastructure, power lines, water systems, bridges, things like that. It truly is a catastrophic event for our community.”

The search for missing people will continue.

“As they’re doing their their search and rescue efforts, they will be giving us reports on road conditions, areas that we need to go focus on throughout the day,” said Wheeley.

Lamar Elementary has also become a shelter and resource hub for those in need.

“We’re collecting clothing, we’re collecting bedding, we’re collecting nonperishable food items and we’re also collecting hygiene items,” said Mark Merriman, Principal of Lamar Elementary School. “We have a massive need to support the community that’s been devastated along the Nolichucky River.”

Merriman said they are accepting donations that can be dropped off at the school.

“If the school and if our county can be a small part of providing that support, getting people what they need, connecting them again, helping them with anything from water to basic nutrition, we’re here to do that, and we’re here to support them,” said Merriman.

The number of evacuations or lives lost has not been determined.

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