More than 50 people rescued from hospital roof amid devastating floods

In the wake of devastating flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, more than 50 individuals were successfully evacuated from the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, eastern Tennessee. This daring rescue operation, conducted by the Virginia State Police and the Tennessee National Guard, unfolded on recent Friday, amidst relentless torrential rains inundating the state.

Evacuation Efforts

The rescue operation, labeled as "dangerous" by Ballad Health, commenced after the hospital became completely overwhelmed by rapidly rising waters from the Nolichucky River. The urgency of the situation prompted the mobilization of various rescue units, with Ballad Health confirming their assistance from the Virginia State Police's aviation units stationed in Abingdon.

Successful Rescue Operation

Despite initial challenges, including impassable flooded roads and high winds hindering air evacuation, the situation took a positive turn. By 2:30 PM, helicopters arrived on the scene to begin the rescue operation. In total, 54 individuals were safely airlifted from the roof of the hospital, along with an additional seven individuals found on rescue boats. By 4:40 PM, all hospital personnel and patients had been successfully rescued, bringing a sense of relief to the local community.

The unprecedented flooding was a direct consequence of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a potent Category 4 storm in Florida's Big Bend area before being downgraded to a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm has inflicted catastrophic flooding, resulting in tragic loss of life across multiple states.