More than 3,300 Tennesseans have applied for federal disaster relief

By Kim Jarrett
The Center Square

More than 3,300 Tennesseans have applied for federal disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

Residents in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties are eligible through the disaster declaration submitted by Gov. Bill Lee and approved by the Biden administration.

Lee toured the area again on Monday with First Lady Maria Lee and said what he saw was inspiring.

“There has been incredible coordination between local, state and federal agencies as they work alongside volunteers and private partners to deliver resources to flood survivors," Lee said. "Maria and I ask Tennesseans to join us in continued prayer for the families impacted."

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is also maintaining a list of how people can help on its website. 

The help is also coming from private organizations and individuals, according to Lee. Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation donated $2 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is helping Hurricane Helene survivors. Bristol Motor Speedway is serving as a donation and collection site.

No specific cost estimates have been given, but the Tennessee Department of Transportation said last week that it would be in the "hundreds of millions of dollars."

The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed 12 deaths from the storm. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Sunday the agency is following up on 15 missing person reports.

Fifteen water facilities are advising their customers to boil their water due to heavy storm damage.