Candlelight service honors Humphreys County flood victims

WAVERLY, Tenn. (WTVF) — As cleanup efforts ramp up in Humphreys County, the community paused to remember the 20 lives lost in the devastating flash flood with a candlelight vigil.

It gave community members a chance to honor victims and pray for the long road they have ahead to rebuild.

The City of Waverly was under a curfew, which was lifted just in time for this community vigil.

The service is something they’d been waiting to do until all the missing were found.

“I’m very thankful that everyone has been accounted for. These families and our community can start the grieving process and the rebuilding process. I don’t think without those people being found that we could start reliving and rebuilding the way we need to,” Waverly resident Chelsea Christman said.

Chelsea Christman is thankful only her basement flooded. She’s been able to turn her whole house into a donation site. She wants her neighbors to know she’s here for them.

“I think it’s another step of unity for our community, and I just think that hopefully, it will help some of the families just know that we are here to support them. We’re here to love on them and we’re here if they need anything,” Christman said.

Starting today, access to the flood-affected areas will be closely monitored due to safety and security concerns. If you wish to be in the area you must be either be a homeowner, their guest, a volunteer or a contractor.