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On Saturday afternoon, aviation assets from Abingdon, along with assets from Ballad Health rescued approximately 54 people from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital that wound up surrounded by flood waters in the wake of the storm.
Two Virginia State Police helicopters rescued approximately 40 to 45 people who were stranded on the roof of the building, officials said.
Ambulances were unable to reach the hospital due to flooding, prompting the out-of-state call in to state police, who came to the aid of those stranded.
"Unfortunately, the water around the hospital, which had also begun intruding inside the hospital, became extremely dangerous and impassable and prevented the boats from safely being able to evacuate the hospital," officials stated.
"Due to high winds, no helicopters could safely fly in an effort to help evacuate the hospital."
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has since established a hotline to report missing persons in the areas impacted by the severe flooding.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an update for the area, reminding residents to continue to stay alert and be wary about the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
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