Unicoi County Hospital Rescue: Over 50 Stranded on Roof Amid Emergency Response

Unicoi County Hospital

Over 50 People Stranded on Roof of Unicoi County Hospital Due to Severe Flooding

More than 50 individuals, including patients and staff, have been stranded on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital as rising waters from the Nolichucky River have cut off access, according to Ballad Health. The hospital suspended operations early Friday morning due to flooding threats.

At 9:38 a.m., the Unicoi County Emergency Management Agency alerted Ballad Health that evacuation was necessary. Although plans were in place to transfer 11 patients, quickly rising waters made it impossible for ambulances to reach the hospital. Ballad Health’s Chief Medical Officer is on-site to oversee the situation.

As of 12:27 p.m., 54 people had relocated to the roof, while seven others awaited rescue in boats. Unfortunately, the conditions around the hospital, compounded by high winds, prevented safe evacuation by both boats and helicopters.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the National Guard are coordinating rescue efforts, described by Ballad leaders as extremely dangerous. Community members are urged to pray for those affected, as local roads remain impassable and elective surgeries have been postponed across Ballad facilities.

Drone footage captured the severity of the flooding and the plight of those stranded.

Unicoi County Hospital Rescue: Over 50 Stranded on Roof Amid Emergency Response