UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Military released a flash report after widespread flooding from Hurricane Helene swept through East Tennessee. The report highlighted many impacts from the storm, including two confirmed weather-related deaths in Tennessee, according to the Department of Health.
The DOH confirmed one death was in Unicoi County and another was in Johnson County.
Rob Mathis, Mayor of Cocke County, said there have been two confirmed deaths within the county. However, he said all other missing people were accounted for.
"We have no more missing persons," Mathis said. "We have no more missing persons in Cocke County."
The DOM thanked the local communities for their volunteer spirit during the flooding but asked people not to send donations that have not been requested by state or local authorities.
"TEMA continues to deploy personnel at the request of the counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met," the report said. "TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe."
According to the report, there are around 18,800 reports of power outages statewide, and several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts.
"As of 1:00 p.m. CDT on Sept. 29, six counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and four counties have issued Boil Water Advisories," the report said.
The counties with a current Boil Water Advisory include:
- Carter County
- Cocke County
- Johnson County
- Unicoi County
The report also said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has set up a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the affected areas. Those wishing to report a missing person can contact TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
TBI said as of Sunday afternoon, it had received 337 calls seeking information on missing people. This includes 47 from Unicoi County. However, Unicoi County authorities have reported 73 unaccounted-for or missing people.
"Authorities continue their efforts to locate the following number of people," TBI said. "With limited cell service and infrastructure challenges in the impacted areas, authorities believe many of these individuals are safe, but unable to presently identify themselves as such."