NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – UPDATE: The death toll in East Tennessee is now four after two more deaths were reported in Cocke County.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis confirmed two were killed in the flooding in a press conference Sunday evening.
The other two “weather-related” deaths were out of Johnson and Unicoi Counties.
UPDATE: The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two weather-related deaths in East Tennessee.
Officials in Unicoi County made the announcement in a press conference on Sunday afternoon.
The confirmed deaths are out of Johnson and Unicoi Counties. Officials said that TDOH is working with the William Jenkins Forensics Center to notify next of kin.
A list of missing people is being compiled by TBI and TEMA, and an updated total of missing individuals is expected later Sunday evening.
PREVIOUS: On Sunday morning, the Unicoi County authorities gave an update on the reported number of missing people.
Unicoi Emergency Management Agency officials said the number of people has increased from 33 to 73 people missing.
They also added that there are no confirmed deaths. In a briefing on Saturday, Unicoi county officials said there were confirmed deaths as a result of flooding from the Nolichucky River.
On Sunday, Unicoi County officials said they wanted to clarify that information.
An official said during a media briefing on Sunday that search and rescue teams found a casket while working through a debris field on Saturday.
Officials said they’re working with the forensics team to identify the person, but they said there are no confirmed deaths.
More than 20 agencies and around 200 first responders have been working to resolve the impact of Helene.
Officials said that if anyone is unable to get in touch with a friend or loved one in the affected area to call 423-50-0261.
Additionally, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) created a missing persons hotline on Saturday.
TBI said anyone wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee can call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
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