Died and disappeared in heavy rain in Tennessee

Heavy rains and flooding in central Tennessee this weekend have killed at least 22 people and left dozens missing, according to local officials. The biggest damage was concentrated around the town of Waverly, with a population of just over 4,000 and located about 100 kilometers from Nashville.

“This is the worst disaster we have ever experienced in the region,” city mayor Patty Frasier told local broadcaster WKRN, noting that many residents have no electricity in their homes.

The area recorded on Saturday was the heaviest rainfall in 40 years, according to the National Weather Service. Humphreys County received 43 cm of rain in 24 hours, while Tennessee recorded a daily rainfall of 8 cm.

Floods in rural areas of the state destroyed roads and telephone towers, and residents lost contact with their families amid the disaster. The rescue service is searching for the missing from house to house.

Family members say two of the dead twins were taken in water from their father’s hands, the Associated Press reported.

Today, with an estimated 50 people missing, authorities have intensified rescue efforts with the help of national security. “Our priority is to assist emergency services in accessing the site. We will continue to increase the number of troops deployed as the situation requires,” General Jeff Holmes, chief of state National Guard, said in a Twitter message.

US President Joe Biden has offered condolences to the victims of the floods. “We are in touch with the community and we will provide all necessary assistance during this terrible time,” he said.