Churches and Baptist associations across middle Tennessee are reaching out to members and residents who were impacted by a record-setting flood that damaged thousands of houses, killed a dozen people statewide and even shut down sections of three interstate roads.
More than 13 inches of rain fell in Nashville May 1–2, nearly doubling the two-day record and pushing the Cumberland River — which flows through downtown Nashville — more than 10 feet above its flood stage. It was expected to crest at more than 51 feet Monday evening. The rain’s impact was worsened because the region experienced a heavy rain just one week earlier.
Houses across the region near streams, creeks and rivers were the most in danger. Entire neighborhoods were under water, and some people had to be rescued by boat or helicopter. Other cities near the Cumberland River, such as Clarksville — about an hour northwest of Nashville — also were heavily impacted.
The flood, the worst in decades, did not discriminate. The famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel had at least 10 feet of water damage and might be closed for months.
The flood shut down sections of Interstates 24, 40 and 65 for parts of the weekend, stranding hundreds of cars and making it impossible to get through the city at a normal pace. The river also overflowed in downtown Nashville, flooding businesses and creeping up to 2nd Avenue. Mayor Karl Dean urged people to stay off the roads.
Baptist churches responded by opening their doors as shelters, and Baptist disaster relief teams are working to assess and meet needs in the area.
At press time, Alabama Baptist disaster relief teams were ready and waiting should they be called up to go help in Tennessee. (BP, TAB)
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