Environment

Nashville, Tennessee Flooding Displaces Thousands (Pictures)

by Jordan Yerman | May 3, 2010 at 07:40 am

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Thousands Displaced by Nashville Area Flooding

So far, 11 people have been killed and thousands displaced by flooding in Nashville, Tennessee and the surrounding area. As the Cumberland River continued flooding in Nashville, one of the water treatment plants was flooded, and the Opryland Hotel downtown was evacuated, sending 1,500 people to spend the night at an emergency shelter. The downtown area was evacuated

Mayor Karl Dean told residents to conserve tap water until the plant can be brought back into operation.

Two days of torrential rain have led to record flooding, causing more damage than expected. Davidson County, which includes Nashville, is in a State of Emergency.

TEMA Update: Assistance for those trapped by flooding

So far, the death toll for flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi is at 20.

Metro’s drinking water supply is still safe, Dean said, but residents should start conserving water now in case of a shortage.

“We’re reaching out to other utilities to buy water and to bring water into the city,” he said. “But the more we can do to limit usage right away will serve us well in the days ahead.”

One river, called the Loosahatchie River at Arlington, Tennessee, rose a whopping 23 feet in 24 hours, and reached a record of 25.31 feet Sunday.

Gov. Phil Bredesen has asked for federal disaster relief. Drenched police officers guided people who had no sense or no choice but to be on the roads. Firefighters and emergency workers answered calls nonstop and saved lives. People saw TV sets, shoes, toys and memories drift out their doors. Some lost heart.

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Debbie WV (not verified)

at 16:03 on May 19th, 2010

I lived in Nashville several years ago, finding the best people and the best time of my life. When I tell stories, it is about all the smiles and the up beat feeling in the air...the history, the wonderful people that live there. I love Nashville and my prayers are with everyone! Debbie Pauley WV