Rescue Operation
Over 50 individuals were airlifted from Unicoi County Hospital's roof in , after being stranded by floodwaters from , with the operation concluding successfully by Friday evening.
The rescue involved multiple agencies, including the , , and local emergency services, utilizing helicopters and boats to navigate the rapidly rising waters.
Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in as a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction across the , leading to at least 52 deaths and significant flooding in several states.
The remnants of the hurricane have left millions without power and caused extensive damage, with officials warning of ongoing record-breaking river flooding in parts of southern Appalachia.