In response to the severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, more than 100 engineers from the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard are actively engaged in recovery operations across several East Tennessee counties. These counties include Carter, Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington. The Guardsmen are collaborating with state, county, and local emergency personnel to remove flood and storm debris, improving access to critical areas.
The engineering teams are utilizing an array of equipment such as bulldozers, dump trucks, chain saws, and skid steer loaders. Their primary goal is to clear roads and other essential locations to enhance the delivery of services to the affected communities. Major Christian Yoder, Executive Officer for the 230th Engineer Battalion, stated, “Our Guardsmen are doing everything possible to help open roads, provide access to needed public and emergency facilities, and make the area safe.” According to Yoder, the team has already removed hundreds of loads of debris from the region.
Latest TN News
The task force comprises Soldiers, Airmen, and equipment from various units across Tennessee. These include Jackson’s 194th Engineer Brigade, Trenton’s 230th Engineer Battalion, Union City’s 913th Engineer Company, Paris’ 212th Engineer Company, McKenzie’s 190th Engineer Company, and Huntingdon’s 890th Engineer Company. The Tennessee Air National Guard has also contributed engineers from Nashville’s 118th Wing and Knoxville’s 134th Air Refueling Wing.
As Major Yoder explained, “This is a joint operation between the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard, and every engineer out here volunteered to help.” The operation is coordinated with local emergency managers and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Nearly 400 Tennessee Guardsmen are involved in supporting relief efforts in the region.
The task force remains committed to staying in East Tennessee for as long as their assistance is required, highlighting their role as a crucial support team in the disaster recovery process.
Source: Read Original Release
TDOT Teams Aid East Tennessee Flood Recovery
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has deployed teams from West Tennessee to assist with flood recovery in East Tennessee after Hurricane Helene. The teams include a bridge inspection crew and a specialized Strike Force team to assess bridge damage and clear debris. With several state roadways and bridges closed or destroyed, TDOT’s primary focus is public safety and reconnecting isolated communities. Additional resources and updates are available through the TDOT SmartWay Map and 511 hotline.