The search for missing people continues

National Guard crews are working with local agencies and national nonprofit disaster relief organizations in Northeast Tennessee to coordinate essential services.

The greatest concern is the number of missing people after two people were unfortunately found dead. One death occurred in Unicoi County and the other occurred in Johnson County.

“We expect that number to change,” Unicoi County Emergency Management Agency spokesman Myron Hughes said during a news conference at 5 p.m.

Tennessee officials reported that 153 people were still missing as of Sunday afternoon.

• Washington County: 62 are missing
• Unicoi County: 47 are missing
• Johnson County: 4 missing
• Other surrounding counties: 40 missing

Here’s what you need to know as a new week begins and communities begin the rebuilding process. This blog will be updated throughout the day.

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Families in Erwin are waiting for news of missing relatives

Unicoi County, the city of Erwin and state officials are picking up rubble after Hurricane Helene decimated the small community. Myron Hughes, a spokesman for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, said the Nolichucky River has returned to normal water levels. This means teams can begin clearing debris and access parts of the community they previously couldn’t. “When we talk about recovery, we don’t lose hope,” Hughes said. He had no updates for the dozens of neighbors searching for information about missing relatives, including those who work at Impact Plastics.