Sheriff: No confirmed deaths in Carter County, two missing

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley spoke with News Channel 11 on Sunday to discuss the updated status of Roan Mountain, Hampton, Valley Forge and Elizabethton.

Sheriff Fraley said that there have been no reported fatalities in Carter County but that two people are unaccounted for.

“If we are fortunate enough to pull this off with no fatalities, this is unbelievable,” he said.

Sheriff Fraley said locating the two missing people is a top priority.

“Our officers are out trying to find the last two to make face-to-face contact and get word to the families,” he said.

Hundreds of families have lost or damaged homes due to the flood. Sheriff Fraley said the state of Carter County is “unbelievable,” but he is grateful for the support it has received.

“We’ve been blessed,” said Sheriff Fraley. “We’ve had other counties arriving. Knox County and Sullivan County have sent multiple officers. TBI has sent in a half dozen officers, and we’re tracking down missing persons right now.”

Many in Carter County do not have cell phone service or water. The county does have electricity as of Sunday.

“Part of the problem we have right now is no cell phone service, and families from other areas are wanting to check in on loved ones, and we’re marking those off one by one,” he said.

Sheriff Fraley asked residents in Carter County to stay inside unless it is an emergency.

The Elizabethton Carter/Carter County Emergency Management Agency announced that Elizabethton High School, Hampton Elementary, Cloudland High, Unaka High and Happy Valley High are all available for shelters and any county fire station.

Carter County Schools are closed until Friday, October 4.

All Carter County offices and the Carter County Courthouse is closed until Wednesday, October 2.

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