NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee National Guard is currently aiding state, county, and local emergency responders in regions of Tennessee affected by severe flooding following the landfall of Hurricane Helene. In collaboration with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Guardsmen are providing both ground and aerial rescue support to those in need.
At around 12:00 p.m., TEMA received notification that over 50 hospital staff members and patients were trapped at the Unicoi County Hospital due to flooding. Reacting swiftly, the Tennessee National Guardsmen from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion in Knoxville prepared three UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters and crews for an aerial rescue operation. Once weather conditions improved shortly after 1:00 p.m., the mission was approved, and the aircraft departed from Joint Base McGhee-Tyson to join forces with the Virginia State Police. This coordination was made possible through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a national state-to-state mutual aid program. By 3:08 p.m., the combined efforts successfully transported the hospital staff and patients to a local high school, completing the rescue mission.
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Simultaneously, at approximately 3:00 p.m., four Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) departed from Johnson City and Unicoi County to assist with water rescue missions in Carter County. These LMTVs, designed with high ground clearance, are capable of navigating flooded areas to aid in rescue operations.
“Our priority is to rapidly deploy to the affected areas and assist emergency responders with rescue operations,” stated Tennessee’s Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Warner Ross. “We are monitoring the situation and are prepared to support as long as needed to ensure the safety of our fellow Tennesseans.”
The Tennessee National Guard remains ready to continue supporting local and state emergency management agencies as required.
Source: Read Original Release
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