VIDEO: The Waterville Dam has suffered a catastrophic failure. Emergency evacuations have been declared, in Newport, Tennessee

Currently, a life-and-death situation is unfolding as the A flash flood emergency has been issued as the mayor has ordered an emergency evacuation due to a catastrophic failure of the Waterville Dam in Newport, Tennessee a town of nearly 7,000 people.

Authorities are actively rushing to the scene to save as many people as possible, deploying emergency personnel, boats, and helicopters to assist in the rescue efforts.

Residents downstream have been urged to evacuate immediately, as the rapidly rising floodwaters pose an extreme threat to life and property.

This dire situation has been caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which continue to drop significant amounts of rain, overwhelming the dam and creating hazardous conditions. VIDEO: