Families ask for updates on missing loved ones at Unicoi County press conference

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Officials in Unicoi County held a press conference on Monday to provide updates on the ongoing search and debris-clearing operations.

The full press conference can be watched above.

Myron Hughes, Public Information Officer for the Tennessee All Hazards Incident Management Team and Jimmy Erwin, EMA Director for Unicoi County, spoke at the briefing.

Several family members and loved ones of missing people in Unicoi County were at the press conference with questions.

More than 100 first responders have helped in search operations, Erwin said. On Monday, emergency crews will be working in flooded areas and highways throughout the county.

Erwin said a task force will take supplies and fliers with resource information to those in areas still without power and cell service.

Erwin asked the community to stay out of flooded areas and emergency scenes to allow first responders room to work.

Hughes said search and damage operations are ongoing.

Hughes told members of the media that they are working to get a hotline set up for volunteers. In the meantime, those wishing to volunteer are asked to message the Unicoi County EMA Facebook Page or by emailing uctnema@gmail.com.

A hotline has been set up for those able to start cleaning up debris in their home. The services are free of charge and the hotline, (844) 965-1386, is for cleanup only.

Updated needs will be posted on the Unicoi EMA page . Hughes said currently non-perishable food is the biggest need. Donations can be dropped off at Evergreen Free Will Baptist (910 Hoback Street, Erwin) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.

Counseling and mental health services are available by calling (855) 274-7171, by texting TN to 741741 or by calling the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

Food and shelter services are still being provided at the following locations:

• Southside Freewill Baptist (1313 Chestoa Pike, Erwin)
• Temple Hill Elementary (797 Old Hwy Road, Erwin)
• Flag Pond Elementary School (917 Old Asheville Hwy, Flag Pond)

The Unicoi County EMA also added new items to its list of needed donations:

• Cat food and litter
• Dog food
• Bread
• Snacks such as chips, fruit cups and fruit snacks
• Resealable sandwich bags

TEMA’s latest flash report for Hurricane Helene states there are 47 missing people in Unicoi County.

Hughes said he had no specific information on the unaccounted people at the plastics company in Unicoi County. He referred those with questions regarding missing persons to call the Tennesse Bureau of Investigation (TBI) at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

The Tennessee Department of Health handles the confirmation of deaths in flood-related incidents, Hughes said. The last update he received was the two deaths reported on Sunday in Johnson and Unicoi Counties.

Another briefing will be held at 5 p.m. Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.