RIves, Tenn.–Obion County Emergency Management Agency Director Danny Jowers spoke for everyone in the area of Rives when he said, “For EVERYONE involved Mission accomplished!!!!”
After over 12 hours of evacuations and welfare checks, rescue and evacuation operations in Rives have been suspended. Rives declared a state of emergency Saturday night and Jowers posted, “Rising floodwaters have already forced the evacuation of at least 88 people, with some being transported to the hospital. This is NOT like recent floods—this is a possible life threatening situation. Power will no longer work in homes, and conditions are rapidly worsening.”
Shelters were set up at the Obion County Fairgrounds and the Woodland Mills Civic Center.
According to the Madison County Rescue Squad, multiple agencies worked tirelessly in the cold temperatures and water to make sure all structures were checked.
Many worked eight-plus hours before stopping to warm up and eat. While crews headed home six Swiftwater members and Chief Turner stayed the night in Obion County in case there are any rescues needed during the night.
Madison County Rescue Squad photo.