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Search crews are continuing their efforts to locate any missing residents after heavy rains flooded areas of Middle Tennessee. Between 8 and 15 inches of rain fell on Saturday (August 21) across Humphreys, Houston, Dickson and Hickman counties, causing massive flooding that has left at least 22 people dead and others missing.
According to FOX 17, all of the deaths were in Humphreys County and the majority were reported in Waverly, including 7-month-old twins who were swept from their father's arms and Loretta Lynn's friend and ranch foreman Wayne Spears.
President Joe Biden issued a statement of support for Middle Tennessee and has reached out to Gov. Bill Lee about assistance, who is expected to request a federal declaration of emergency in the coming days.
"I send my deepest condolences for the sudden and tragic loss of life due to flash flooding in Tennessee," said President Biden. "We've reached out to the community and will offer any assistance they need in this terrible moment."
The reunification center at McEwan High School will be open until 5 p.m. Monday (August 23) where anyone with information about a missing person is asked to meet, per News Channel 5. To reach the center, call the TEMA phone line at 931-582-6950. Additionally, two shelters for victims of the flood have opened in Humphreys County at First Baptist Church, located at 300 E. Main Street, and the Waverly Church of Christ, at 438 W. Main Street.
The flooding has destroyed homes and businesses across the region, leaving many victims with nothing. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has activated its Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support relief and restoration in areas impacted by the storms. To learn more or make a donation, visit the organization's website here.
Anyone wishing to donate items for victims can reach out to the Nashville Community Resource Center, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. The Humphreys County Sheriff's Office also said items can be donated at the National Guard Armory in Waverly at 1421 US-70.
"We've experienced a devastating loss of live over the last couple of days. We've lost more in this event than we did in the train explosion in 1978," said Waverly Police and Fire Chief Grant Gillespie. "But we've seen the community come together."