Rescue Operation at Tennessee Hospital After Flooding

In Tennessee, over 50 patients and staff were rescued from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital after Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding, pushing the nearby Nolichucky River to overflow. The hospital became engulfed in muddy water, prompting a state of emergency as all access roads were rendered impassable, and initial evacuation attempts by boat were thwarted by treacherous conditions. Fortunately, a SWAT team training nearby was able to assist in the rescue, collecting medications and helping evacuate those stranded. By late Friday afternoon, all individuals were safely relocated to Johnson City Medical Center, while the hospital itself remains closed and deemed at risk of significant damage. Amidst widespread chaos across the region, at least 40 fatalities have been reported due to the storm's impact. The situation highlights the challenges faced by emergency responders during extreme weather events, as rescue operations were complicated by high winds and flooding.