COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Most of the things in Janet Sam's Newport home are destroyed, but she said two things are still standing. The flag she keeps out front, and her faith in God.
The destruction inside her home was devastating after widespread flooding from Hurricane Helene impacted many parts of East Tennessee.
"Are you ready for this," she said, as she opened her front door.
The floors were covered in inches of mud, the refrigerator was in her living room and the stove that's been passed down throughout her family is unusable.
She said it all happened so fast.
"It just flooded, it's never done that," Sams said. "I've lived here since 2012. (The water) got up in my driveway."
She lives with her son, daughter-in-law and their kids in her home.
"All five us of have lost everything," she said. "We have nothing left, except our souls. And that's all that matters."
She said her faith is getting her through and showed a Bible in her car that is still intact, even though it's soaked. Her car was tied to a tree and the flood waters destroyed it as they swept through the surrounding areas.
Those with a desire to help the many East Tennesseans impacted by Helene can donate at this website.
