Rotarians Hear Update About Waverly Flood

McKENZIE (December 19) — Members of the Rotary Club of McKenzie heard about the devastation and hardships experienced in Waverly, Tennessee following the flash flood that occurred on Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Gretchen Turner, the advocacy chair for long-term recovery in Waverly, was the club’s program speaker for the day.

Mrs. Turner said a flash flood of 23 inches of rain in nearby McEwen caused the flooding in Waverly. The runoff from the excessive rain followed Trace Creek, that overflowed and became impounded against the bed of the railroad. Once the railroad bed eroded, the waters quickly rushed into Waverly and destroyed schools, businesses and homes, including public housing. The town is still recovering and schools are still rebuilding from the devastation. Some 700 homes were either damaged or destroyed. Mud was everywhere and the city was covered in mud-coated debris, much of which was moved to the sides of the road for removal.

There were many heroes during and following the tragedy, said Turner. The city had an established disaster recovered plan, which helped in the recovery. Turner said churches of all faiths worked together. FEMA provided some emergency funding for residents and helped the city in its recovery. However, without Federal flood insurance, many residents had no coverage for their home or businesses.

United Way of Middle Tennessee was very instrumental in participating in the relief effort.

Waverly was also greatly effected by a major propane explosion in 1978. At that time, a train car, transporting propane, overturned. As workers were setting the car back on the rails, it exploded, causing major damage and killing both the city’s police and fire chiefs.