Tennessee flooding: Pictures show ‘devastating loss’ as search begins for more than 40 missing
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A ranch foreman who worked for country music superstar Loretta Lynn and two twin toddlers were among the 22 people who tragically lost their lives as the US town of Waverly, Tennessee, and its surrounding counties were devastated by catastrophic flash flooding over the weekend, the disaster brought on by torrential rainfall that struck without warning.
Search and rescue efforts continue with an estimated 20 people still missing as local citizens say they were caught totally off guard by the 17 inches of rain that hammered the area over 24 hours - much of it within a six-hour window.
Responding to the tragedy, US president Joe Biden expressed his sincere condolences from the White House and said: “We’ve reached out to the community and we stand ready to offer them support.”
Waverly public safety officials have posted a partial list of those missing in the flood, asking the public’s help in locating them.
Survivors described the floodwaters as rushing in like a tsunami.
“All of a sudden it was like a tidal wave that just came over the road and into my yard,” Casey Hipshire told CNN. “Next thing I know the water is in my house, and it’s up to my chest.”
Locals document nightmarish flood damage on social media
Here’s a little more from Twitter, underling the scale of the disaster Waverly is facing.
Storm Henri threatens to swamp northeastern states
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, New England also looks set to be battered by heavy rain after the latest Atlantic front made landfall and doused Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey.
Henri hurls rain as storm settles atop swamped Northeast
The tropical depression Henri appears to be lingering in the Northeast, raising the prospect it will bring sustained rains and cause major flooding inland
Waverly locals survey the damage
This was the scene in the stricken Tennessee town the morning after the storm had passed, leaving a trail of carnage and debris in its wake.
Survivors say flooding was ‘like a tidal wave'
Survivors of the deadly flooding in Tennessee say the waters rushed in like a tsunami.
“All of a sudden it was like a tidal wave that just came over the road and into my yard,” Casey Hipshire told CNN. “Next thing I know the water is in my house, and it's up to my chest.”
Ms Hipshire said she, her husband, and their eight-year-old son survived by breaking a window and climbing through it onto their roof.
Sheriff of flooded county says his own ‘best friend’ is among the dead
Sheriff Chris Davis of Humphreys County, Tennessee, says one of his own best friends died in the flood.
“They just went and got one of my best friends. He drowned in it,” Mr Davis told WSMV.
So far, 22 people have been reported dead in the floods.
“It hurts,” Mr Davis went on. “If I slow down and think about it, I get emotional. If I stay working and stay focused, I work through it.”
Waverly officials post missing persons list
Officials in Waverly, Tennessee have posted a partial list of those missing in the flood, asking the public’s help in locating them.
“If you have physically seen or talked to the person listed below please contact 931-582-6950 or go to Mcewen High School at 335 Melrose Avenue in Mcewen and report to the gymnasium,” the Waverly Department of Public Safety said in a Facebook post.
Video shows horrific flood damage in Waverly, Tennessee
A video posted by CNN reporter Nick Valencia shows upturned cars and destroyed homes in Waverly, Tennessee, after the disastrous flooding there.
Cousin says twin babies died after flood ripped them from father’s arms
A family member says the twin babies killed in the Waverly floods died after being wrenched from their father’s arms.
“My cousin Danielle and Matt lost there 2 beautiful twin babys today the flood took them away [sic],” Charity Hooks wrote in a GoFundMe for the family. “The mother grabbed a tree and the father had the 2 twins the 5 year old and 19 month old and sadly the 2 baby’s left his arms!”
Ms Hooks is now raising money for the twins’ funeral expenses.
Waverly woman broadcasted flood on Facebook shortly before her death
A woman who was killed in the flood in Waverly, Tennessee posted footage of the rising waters just before she drowned in them.
“We are being flooded right now in Waverly, Tennessee. Really scary,” Linda Almond said in a Facebook Live video just before her death. In the footage, gray floodwaters can be seen rushing past her window.
Ms Almond and her son later climbed onto their roof for safety, family members told WKRN, but the roof collapsed. The son was later rescued, but Ms Almond did not survive.
Waverly officials ask for public’s help with recovery effort
Officials in Waverly, Tennessee have asked for volunteers to help with the recovery and cleanup effort following the disastrous floods in that city.
“Anyone wanting to volunteer to help with cleanup and recovery can call 931-888-8011 or 931-888-8012,” the Waverly Department of Public Safety said on Facebook. “Thank you for your help!”
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