Urgent Help Needed: Northeast Tennessee Flood Relief Fund

Northeast Tennessee is facing an unprecedented crisis as the worst flooding in generations devastates our communities. Thousands of homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, and entire families are missing. Lives have been tragically lost, homes washed away, businesses destroyed, and vital infrastructure left in ruins. Our neighbors are enduring unimaginable losses, and they need our help now more than ever.

The scale of this disaster is staggering. Entire houses have been swept down raging rivers, leaving behind a trail of destruction that will take months, if not years, to recover from. The Nolichucky River in Unicoi County has reached its highest flood level on record, causing catastrophic damage. Most bridges have been swept away, and key roads, including interstates, are impassable—cutting off thousands from vital supplies and emergency services.

In Carter County, the Doe and Watauga Rivers have wreaked havoc. Hundreds of homes along these waterways are submerged, and families have lost everything. The city of Hampton is now largely inaccessible, with dangerous conditions persisting throughout the area. The destruction stretches across multiple counties—Johnson, Washington, Cocke, Unicoi, Carter, Greene, Sullivan, and Hawkins—where early estimates put the damage in the billions.

The situation is critical, with imminent infrastructure failures looming. The TVA has reported the potential breach of the Nolichucky Dam, threatening Cocke, Greene, and Hamblen counties. Several wastewater treatment plants are either compromised or at risk, and over 74,000 homes statewide are without power as of September 27.

Emergency rescue operations are in full swing. Unicoi County Hospital had to be evacuated by helicopter, relocating 54 people to safety as floodwaters rapidly approached. Tennessee Highway Patrol has conducted multiple high-risk rescues, and Governor Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency. FEMA has stepped in, but the danger is far from over, with many roadways still submerged and hazardous.

I’m Alex Hennage, owner of Appalachian Outpost, a small fishing and outdoor supply store in Carter County. Like many local business owners, I’m doing everything in my power to support our community in this time of crisis. But the scale of this disaster is far beyond what we can manage alone.

Your donation will directly support those affected by:

Northeast Tennessee has always been a tight-knit community where neighbors help neighbors. But this time, we need extra hands. We’re calling on kind-hearted people from everywhere to lend a helping hand in this unprecedented disaster.

Whether you can give $5 or $500, every contribution makes a difference. Your generosity will bring hope to those who’ve lost everything and help them begin to rebuild their lives. Together, we can help our community recover from this tragedy. Thank you for your compassion and support.