By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Local and area first responders have returned to Waverly and Humphreys County today to help in the rescue efforts and to search for the missing from Saturday’s catastrophic floods. As of Sunday afternoon, 22 people have been reported deceased, including children, and over 30 are still missing in Humphreys County.
Paris-Henry County Rescue Squad members left early this morning with a boat and Benton County first responders, Camden Fire Department, Carroll County Fire & Rescue members also are in Waverly again today.
Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher said yesterday that Benton County first responders were trapped for three hours in a boat that had crashed into a tree in the swift waters. “We got them out and they’re safe,” he said. The sheriff’s office boat was totaled, however.
Christopher said Benton County personnel “have been trying to take as much of the burden off of them (Humphrey County first responders) as we can. We called as many people we could get and everyone came.” He said when they first arrived Saturday they helped with people who were trapped in the Cash Savers and Dollar General stores.
Assistant Benton County Road Supervisor Scott Hollowell said this morning two more semi-truck loads of donations will be sent to Humphreys County again today. “We hope to have two loads today–one by lunch and the second around 5 p.m.”, he said.
Drop-off for those materials is at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
The Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department in Mansfield (Henry County) has set up a drop-off spot for donations. Items will be picked up today at 4 p.m. to be taken to Waverly and on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting items until 8 am Monday for those affected by the floods in Waverly. You may drop off your donation in the lobby of the sheriff’s office. Items needed are bottled water, personal hygiene items, baby diapers, cleaning supplies and non perishable food items.
Another drop-off location has been set up at the Big Sandy First Baptist Church. A church spokesperson said, “If you would like to donate to help those in Humphreys County, they need clothes, toiletries, blankets, pillows, water and prepackaged food. You can bring these to Big Sandy First Baptist Church anytime today and we will get them where they need to go to help those in need.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Nashville is reporting the 17.02″ of rain measured at McEwen, TN (Humphreys County) Saturday likely broke the all-time 24 hour rainfall record for the state of Tennessee – which was 13.60″ in Milan set on September 13, 1982.
A reunification center has been set up at McEwen High School. If you have missing person information or looking for a loved one, please meet a representative there.
Top photo: A portion of flood damage in Waverly. Bobby Melton photo.
Photo by Bobby Melton
Carroll County Rescue Squad members on way to Waverly. Carroll County Rescue Squad photo.