‘It’s hard work and it’s dangerous’: Officials speak about disaster response in East Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — First responders across the state have continued to answer the call, helping those devastated by historic flooding in East Tennessee days after the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit the region.

In Columbia, Division Chief Luke Greenwell from the Maury County Fire Department said the agency had to turn away volunteers because they had so many people ready to assist.

Maury County firefighters joined a task force with the City of Columbia Fire & Rescue, the Spring Hill Fire Department, and Lawrence County Fire Department. Together, they conducted a wide-area search operation and damage assessment, which will continue through at least Wednesday.

“You’re walking long distances that might not be accessible to vehicles,” Greenwell said. “It’s hard work, for sure, and it’s dangerous. Also, you’re walking through a lot of damage, debris, sharp objects, holes, everything.”

Columbia’s mayor, Chaz Molder, said that the city sent drones and utility terrain vehicles with their search and rescue teams to assist in recovery operations.

“The word that we’re hearing is that it’s even worse on the ground than what it looks like on television and I think that’s really when it gets your heart strings,” Molder added. “It’s one thing to see it on TV, but another thing to hear from your local first responders reporting back to discuss the devastation.”

Five trailers of donated water bottles were dropped off by the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) just before 5 p.m. Monday in Greene County and Cocke County. The DCSO said that hundreds of people from the community donated cases of water, cash and more.

Lieutenant Jennifer Caruthers from the DCSO said that she knows the devastation flooding can bring to communities all too well.

“As we experienced with Waverly a few years ago… you saw the power of water and how fast moving water can just affect people and their lives,” Caruthers said. “…With people losing their lives and losing their property and I know down in Humphreys County. They’re still rebuilding.”

If you’d like to help victims of the flooding in East Tennessee, you can view a list of organizations here .

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