Newport, United States - September 28, 2024

In a dramatic display of aerial rescue, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Aviation Unit, in collaboration with the Nashville Fire Department, has been at the forefront of emergency operations in Newport, Tennessee, where flooding has reached catastrophic levels. The THP's aviation team, part of the specialized TN-HART (Tennessee Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team), has executed 24 hoist rescue missions amidst the relentless floods sweeping through Fairfield Drive and surrounding areas.

The flooding, driven by torrential rains and compounded by potential dam issues, has rendered parts of Newport, particularly downtown, submerged under several feet of water. The Nolichucky River, swollen beyond its banks, has contributed to a scenario where residents found themselves isolated, with all roads leading to and from the city closed due to the inundation.

TN-HART, equipped with state-of-the-art helicopters, has been instrumental in reaching those trapped by the rising waters. Their operations have not only focused on rescue but also on reconnaissance, conducting numerous search missions to ensure no lives are left in peril. The aerial view provided by these heroes in the sky has been crucial, allowing first responders to assess the extent of the flooding and prioritize rescue efforts.

Eyewitness accounts and posts on social media platform X have painted a dire picture, with residents describing a scene out of a disaster movie. "All roads are closed, and people are trapped," one user reported, highlighting the urgency and isolation faced by many in Newport. Another post detailed the town's plight, indicating that while initial fears of a dam break might have been exaggerated, the flooding has nonetheless reached unprecedented levels, forcing mandatory evacuations that were complicated by the lack of viable escape routes.