Training for major flooding disaster

The Tennessee Military Department, along with state and local agencies, conducted an emergency response exercise throughout the state this week. Named “Tennessee Maneuvers 2024,” the exercise simulated an emergency response to a flood in southeast Tennessee. In Chattanooga on Thursday, a helicopter could be seen from Highway 153 pulling people out of the water. Multiple survivors were located north of the Chickamauga Dam and needed to be rescued. Firefighters and soldiers were lifted out of the water and into the helicopter and then taken to safety. Chattanooga Fire, Hamilton County EMS, TVA Police, TEMA, Nashville Fire Department’s Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, and the Tennessee National Guard were present. Drills like this give agencies the opportunity to collaborate and prepare for a major disaster response.