Family among four killed in Tennessee floods

August 14, 2025

At least four people, including a family of three and an unidentified man, died in Tennessee due to severe weather conditions featuring heavy rains and flash flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday. The family perished when a tree fell on their car in East Ridge near Chattanooga, while the man was swept away by floodwaters after reportedly bypassing fire department barricades. Chattanooga experienced its second wettest day since record-keeping began in 1879, with the airport recording 6.

Who is affected

Residents of Tennessee, particularly in Hamilton County and Chattanooga area
The deceased family: Tomas Vicente Lopez (29), Giomara Epifania Vasquez (27), and three-year-old Emma Vicente
An unidentified man who was swept away by floodwaters
Six people rescued from a van in rising waters
Residents who needed evacuation from flooded homes and vehicles

What action is being taken

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has declared a local state of emergency
Rescuers are helping residents flee flooded homes and vehicles
Flash flood warnings remain in effect for many parts of Tennessee
First responders are conducting rescue operations across affected areas
Local officials are working to identify victims and assess damage

Why it matters

The severe flooding has already caused at least four fatalities
Chattanooga experienced historic rainfall levels (6.42 inches), making it the second wettest day since 1879
The flash flooding has created dangerous conditions requiring emergency rescues
Infrastructure has been compromised, with roads becoming impassable
The emergency declaration allows for additional resources to address the crisis

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC