An emergency evacuation was carried out at Unicoi County Hospital on Friday after flooding left patients and staff stranded on the roof.
According to WCYB News, the rescue effort, which involved helicopters from the Virginia State Police, successfully airlifted over 40 individuals to safety. Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Helene surrounded the hospital, making all surrounding roads impassable and cutting off access to the building.
Patients have been transferred to nearby Johnson City Medical Center, and their families have been notified. Ballad Health, which operates the hospital, has stated that the facility will remain closed until floodwaters recede and damage can be assessed.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of those trapped on the roof. More than 50 people, including both patients and staff, were initially reported to be stranded. Emergency services, including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard, coordinated efforts to assist in the rescue. Helicopters played a key role in lifting individuals off the roof to safety.
Erwin Police Chief Regan Tilson confirmed that four patients were among the first to be rescued by helicopter. Footage from the rescue operations showed the extent of the flooding, which left many vehicles submerged and blocked hospital access routes.
The floodwaters completely cut off access to the hospital, leaving rescue teams with no choice but to rely on air support for the evacuation. In addition to helicopters, rescue boats were deployed, though seven people were still waiting in the boats at one point. Many emergency vehicles, including police cruisers and ambulances, were lost to the floodwaters.
Tilson also revealed that a SWAT team, which was training nearby, was able to help recover critical medications for patients, ensuring their safety while awaiting evacuation.
Helicopters provided by Virginia State Police played a crucial role in the successful rescue. Approximately 40 to 45 people were airlifted from the hospital's roof, ensuring the evacuation proceeded efficiently despite the difficult conditions.
According to updates, a total of 23 individuals had been safely rescued by the afternoon, with all patients being transferred to Johnson City Medical Center. Dramatic footage captured the rescue operation, showing helicopters lifting individuals to safety amid rising floodwaters.
Ballad Health has confirmed that the hospital will remain closed while they assess the extent of the damage caused by the floodwaters. The hospital grounds remain inaccessible, and the situation will be monitored closely in the coming days.
"All patients and staff are safe at this time," said Erwin Police Chief Regan Tilson.
The hospital’s closure will continue until Ballad Health can determine when the facility can safely reopen.
A swift and coordinated rescue operation saved over 50 patients and staff stranded by floodwaters at Unicoi County Hospital. Helicopters from Virginia State Police airlifted more than 40 people from the hospital roof while patients were safely transferred to Johnson City Medical Center. The hospital remains closed for the time being as authorities assess flood damage.
