Erwin TN: Dramatic Rescue as Flooding Strands 54 at Unicoi County Hospital
On September 27, a dramatic rescue unfolded as fifty-four individuals found themselves stranded atop the Unicoi County Hospital, besieged by the relentless flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The Virginia State Police orchestrated the rescue operation, concluding their efforts around 4:45 p.m. Utilizing two helicopters, they successfully evacuated between 40 and 45 people, as confirmed by spokesperson Matt Demlein to the USA TODAY Network. Other agencies collaborated to assist in retrieving the remaining patients and hospital staff.
Unicoi County Sheriff Mike Hensley recounted the chaotic scene, observing helicopters from across the region converging on the roof, hindered by rapidly rising floodwaters that rendered boat access impossible. “It was sheer pandemonium. Boats were futile against the high winds and surging waters. I was genuinely thankful that the hospital remained intact; I feared it might collapse,” Hensley remarked.
Rescue efforts were bolstered by the National Guard and local police, with teams from nearby Virginia and Tennessee employing three Blackhawk helicopters from Knoxville to facilitate the evacuations. All those rescued from the roof are currently receiving care at various regional medical facilities. The Unicoi Hospital is set to remain closed until further notice.
Hensley highlighted the significant challenges in reaching some of the more isolated areas affected by the storm. “We are completely cut off from the southern end of the county now, and our deputies stationed there are unable to return. However, their presence there is a positive aspect,” he shared.
Erwin TN Police Department Lt. Patrick Bennet echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that amidst the evacuation, the howling winds drowned out all sound, leaving them with a sense of helplessness as the water levels surged ominously. “The rising waters were overwhelming; there was little we could do,” he conveyed.
What began as a tranquil morning quickly devolved into chaos as the storm’s ferocity escalated within mere hours.
