Perry County, KY – Aircrews from the Tennessee National Guard rescued flood victims following record rainfall that overwhelmed the North Fork River and the Kentucky River in rural Eastern Kentucky.
Following the onset of torrential rains, five UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion in Nashville and Task Force Medevac in Knoxville deployed to Eastern Kentucky to assist with rescue operations.
From July 28th to July 31st, 20 aviators from the National Guard and eight members of the Nashville Fire Department rescued 151 men, women, and children and transported them to higher ground. Of those people, 27 were hoisted out of the rising flood waters of the North Fork River into a hovering helicopter. The 151 victims were taken to Hazard Airport or Appalachian Regional Healthcare Medical Center.
“The recent response by this team and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and our Domestic Operations Staff saved many lives in the aftermath of severe flooding in Eastern Kentucky. I could not be prouder of our team, and the skills and services they provide during emergency responses,” Col. Wade stated.
The Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, a partnership with the National Guard, Nashville Fire Department, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, as well as air crews, remain on standby.
