GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. — Parts of Greene County are without water after flooding from the Nolichucky River damaged the intake structure for the county's water commission.
Greene County Mayor Kevin Morris, who also works with the county's emergency management agency, said the flooding in Greeneville is a disaster they never fully prepared for. However, they are doing everything in their power to help the community.
"It's a disaster of biblical proportions," said Morris. "I don't know if anyone could anticipate an event and the destruction on this level."
The intake structure for Greeneville's water commission was fully submerged after the Nolichucky River flooded.
"The water supply has been completely shut off, we realized that debris that struck and destroyed the pump house for the Greeneville Water Commission had in fact actually penetrated the building," Morris said.
With water shut off, the county has set up water distribution points to supply the community and those in need with bottled water. The emergency management agency said supplying water is their number one priority.
"We are not accepting volunteers or donations until the water energy emergency mission is complete," said Heather Sipe, the Greeneville EMA director.
Community members are also stepping up to help neighbors by donating their own packs of water.
"We just wanted to help the community in some way, so people are bringing water in and we are distributing it with our kids," said Kent Crutcher, a Greeneville resident.
The Greeneville Municipal Airport is currently the hub for water distribution in the county. It is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.
Sipe said other distribution points include the Marathon at Erwin Highway, Camp Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the University of Tennessee Agriculture Research and Education Center, Caney Branch VFD and Scepter on Pottertown Road.
She also said they would be adding two new pods in the coming days.