Biden approved declaration of major disaster in state of Tennessee after flooding

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, on Monday approved the declaration of “major disaster” in the state of Tennessee, hit by heavy rains and flooding which left at least 21 dead and considerable material damage.

The White House said in a statement that the measure allows the allocation of federal funds to complement state and local recovery efforts in affected areas.

In addition, it makes federal funding available to residents of Humphreys County, whose capital is Waverly.

The greatest damage from the natural disaster was concentrated around Waverly, a town of just over 4,000 inhabitants located about sixty kilometers east of Nashville, the capital of Tennessee.

Assistance to those affected can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover losses of uninsured property, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover. effects of the natural disaster.

According to the National Weather Service, the region recorded the highest precipitation in 40 years on Saturday.

Authorities said Monday that at least 22 people were killed, including 20 in Waverly, and around 10 people are missing.

Flooding in rural areas destroyed roads, cell phone towers and phone lines, leaving families unsure whether their loved ones survived the flood. Rescuers are going door to door, said Kristi Brown, supervisor health and safety coordinator for Humphreys County schools.

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said many missing live in areas with the fastest rising water levels.

Up to 17 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours on Saturday, apparently breaking Tennessee’s record for one-day precipitation of more than 3 inches, the National Weather Service said.

“Given the death toll, I expect there will be more recovery effort than rescue effort at this time,” said Patrick Sheehan, director of emergency management for Tennessee.

Among the dead are two baby twins who were torn from their father’s arms, according to surviving relatives, and a ranch foreman from County music star Loretta Lynn. The sheriff of the county of about 18,000 people, located about 60 miles west of Nashville, said he had lost one of his best friends.

(With information from EFE)

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