NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Community in Need
It’s been a tough few days for the folks in East Tennessee. Heavy rains have led to unprecedented flooding, causing significant damage to homes and some local infrastructure. The situation has left many communities reeling as they deal with the aftermath of this historic weather event.
Fallen Bridges and Isolation
One of the hardest-hit areas is Greene County, where the Kinser Bridge on Highway 107 collapsed into the rushing **Nolichucky River**. Local resident Daniel Shrader caught the moment on video, a sight that’s hard to believe. “We are talking **catastrophic beyond what is normal**,” he shared, highlighting how isolated some neighbors now find themselves. “The people who live on the other side of this set of bridges are currently isolated from the world they are having a serious issue with medical supplies.”
Governor Takes a Closer Look
Even Governor Bill Lee took the time to survey the damage. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has warned that the impact on roadways in several counties, including Carter, Washington, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke, is unprecedented. Roads that used to be easy to travel are now posing serious dangers, with many communities facing **long-term closures**.
Travel Troubles
With the damage so severe, residents like Shrader are noticing firsthand how travel times have ballooned. “To get to any grocery store, you went from 15 minutes to 45 minutes,” he lamented, as many essential services become more difficult to access. As if that weren’t enough, there’s a looming water crisis in Greene County. “Water is going to be a big deal in Greene County,” Shrader mentioned. “We are going to need portable water, the grocery stores are out; everybody already made a run that is done.”
Community Support and Rescue Operations
As the water continues to wreak havoc, neighbors are banding together. Shrader and others are preparing to share resources, stating, “We will be carrying buckets of water and bottles of water to all of our senior neighbors.” The sense of community spirit shines through during these trying times.
Local authorities have been working tirelessly, too. The Nashville Fire Department has collaborated with other agencies to form TN-HART teams, which have been busy conducting helicopter rescues. A dedicated Swiftwater Rescue Team, made up of Nashville firefighters and Metro Police officers, has also been deployed to help those in danger across East Tennessee.
How to Help
If you’re wondering how to extend a helping hand to East Tennessee residents impacted by this storm, one way is to contribute to the East Tennessee Foundation’s **Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund**. This fund aids local nonprofits and agencies that are working hard on the ground to rescue and recover their communities. Every bit helps as these areas begin their path to recovery.
If you have family or friends who might be trapped in some of the affected areas and can’t get in contact with them, you can reach out to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND to report a missing person. This is one way to ensure that loved ones are safe as the community begins to pick up the pieces.
Conclusion
As East Tennessee faces challenges from this disaster, it’s evident that the resilience and support among neighbors are what will help them through. The road to recovery may be long, but together, they can rebuild what’s been lost.
