UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. — Update 9/30:
More than 40 people remain missing in Unicoi County after the devastating flooding from Helene.
On Monday, county officials said more than 100 first responders were searching through debris. They said the rescue efforts have transitioned to a recovery effort now that river levels have receded to normal levels.
The county said 47 people remain missing, based on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's last update on Sunday afternoon. TEMA is expected to give its next update Monday afternoon.
Right now, Unicoi County officials said they have been overwhelmed by the number of volunteers willing to step up and help -- saying they can't keep up with the volume of calls. They are working to set up hotline to share info on ways to help, but for not are asking people who want to help to either send a private message to Unicoi County EMA Facebook page or email UCTNEMA@gmail.com so they can document it and get back with people.
People wanting to donate should use the drop-off site at Evergreen Free Will Baptist Church at 910 Hoback Street in Erwin. It's open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
As of Monday, the EMA said the biggest thing they need is non-perishable food. You can find a full list of items needed below or at this link.
People in need of food and water should head to one of the three pickup sites in the county. These will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily:
- Southside Freewill Baptist Church
1313 Chestoa Pike Erwin, TN - Temple Hill Elementary School
797 Old Hwy Road Erwin, TN - Flag Pond School
917 Old Asheville Highway Flag Pond, TN
The EMA said a hotline was also set up for people needing help with debris cleanup at 1-844-965-1386.
Counseling is available for people in need at 1-855-274-7171. People can also text TN to 741-741 or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Update 9/29:
Unicoi County authorities said at a news conference on Sunday that the number of missing people has increased to 73. There are no confirmed deaths at this time and debris management experts are going through debris looking for remnants, officials say.
According to officials, 25 agencies and around 200 first responders are working to resolve the impact of Hurricane Helene. Welfare checks are currently being conducted and will continue.
Utility Director Lee Brown says that all teams have been deployed and 29 linemen are working to have power restored in outage areas. Officials hope to have power restored to all non-food areas by Wednesday, Oct. 2. As of Sunday morning, there are 1,500 without power and 533 water customer without service.
TBI has a missing person list currently in place for Hurricane Helene. Those who need to report missing people believed to be in the affected across East Tennessee can contact 1-800-TBI-FIND.
We will update you as we learn more.
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There has been deadly flooding in Unicoi County, according to Emergency Management Agency Director Jimmy Erwin.
Erwin said at a news conference on Saturday that around three dozen people are missing. Erwin did not say how many people have died, but that more information is expected to be released Sunday.
A curfew in the county is in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
This story was originally published by WCYB. This story will be updated when more information is available.