EMA Director: 33 missing in Unicoi County, confirmed deaths

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Thirty-three people remain missing in Unicoi County on Saturday after the Nolichucky River swelled and flooded swathes of the area, causing widespread damage.

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

Erwin stated that an estimated 33 people are missing in Unicoi County. No deaths were confirmed as of Saturday afternoon in the county, according to Erwin.

However, Erwin later confirmed the flooding in the county was deadly, but no further information was given about the number of fatalities.

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 EMA held a press briefing Saturday evening at Unicoi County High School to provide updates.

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 extend 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.

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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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