By Megan Plotka
al.com
JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Fourteen people in North Alabama were rescued after being trapped in caves during Sunday floods, according to Jackson County Emergency Management Agency officials.
Two separate cave rescue missions were carried out on Sunday in that northeast Alabama county.
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Thirteen were trapped in Mother’s Finest Cave near Stevenson and one at Tumbling Rock Cave near Fackler due to the significant flooding, according to a press release from the agency.
The release stated “heavy rainfall caused rapid rises in creeks, streams, low-water crossings, and flood-prone areas” that created dangerous travel and rescue conditions.
The first person was rescued at 2:56 p.m. at Mother’s Finest Cave with the Scottsboro-Jackson County Rescue Squad and Huntsville Cave Rescue performing the rescue. The victim was not injured. The scene was cleared by 7:30 p.m.
The second cave rescue started at 3:38 p.m. at Tumbling Rock Cave. It was difficult for the initial responders from the Hollywood Fire Department, Hollywood Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to arrive on the scene due to flooded roads, according to the press release.
Hollywood police initially removed five people from the cave. Specialized assistance from Hamilton County (Tenn.) Cave Rescue and swift-water rescue assets from DeKalb and Marshall Counties were then called upon to help rescue the remaining eight. No one was injured.
“We are thankful that no injuries were reported,” said Jackson County Emergency Management Agency Director Whitcomb in a statement. “We also want to remind the public that caves, low-water crossings, creeks, streams, and flood-prone roads can become extremely dangerous during and after heavy rainfall. Conditions can change quickly, and access routes that appear passable can become blocked or unsafe within minutes.”
Jackson County Emergency Management Agency has reminders for visitors:
- Do not enter caves during or after heavy rainfall
- Never drive through flooded roadways
- Avoid low-water crossings during flood events
- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts
- Report flooding, road washouts, and dangerous conditions to local authorities
Whitcomb is grateful for the support from first responders across the region.
“Jackson County EMA appreciates the strong coordination and county-to-county mutual aid support demonstrated by our local agencies, regional partners, cave rescue teams, swift water rescue teams, law enforcement, fire departments, rescue squads, and all personnel who worked through difficult conditions to bring these individuals to safety,” said Whitcomb
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