In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused a deadly flash flood in Unicoi County, Tennessee, trapping dozens of people on the rooftop of the county hospital. Hospital staff and emergency responders were unable to evacuate them by ambulance or boat due to the fast-moving floodwaters. Eventually, everyone was evacuated by helicopter in a stunning success, with no casualties. However, the incident highlighted the risks of building hospitals in floodplains, with many hospitals in Tennessee situated in flood-prone areas. Experts are calling for better warning systems and building standards to prepare for future disasters exacerbated by climate change.
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Helicopters Rescued Patients in ‘Apocalyptic’ Flood. Other Hospitals Are at Risk, Too.
