The prolonged heavy rain caused flash floods, severely flooding Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge (Tennessee) on the afternoon of July 28 (local time), according to the Washington Post.
Many tourists had to evacuate the amusement park after floodwaters inundated the park. Some had to wade through waist-deep water to reach the parking lot. Images of cars submerged in water and tourists wading through murky waters quickly spread on social media.
The Pigeon Forge Police Department said the major flood caused a road near the entrance to Dollywood to collapse, obstructing traffic and the movement of tourists.
In response to the situation, the park activated its emergency response plan. With the support of police and firefighters, park staff quickly evacuated tourists to safe places such as high-rise buildings and areas not flooded by the storm.
Fortunately, there was only one minor injury. Currently, the park is assisting tourists with vehicles damaged by the flood and is urgently addressing the aftermath.
However, due to the rapid rise of water, many tourists still faced certain difficulties in moving.
A social media user shared their experience on the night of July 28 (local time) at the park: "No one guided us to a safe place. After my disabled mother was nearly swept away by the floodwaters while trying to walk, the staff still couldn't provide timely assistance."
This tourist also said it took three hours to receive instructions on how to return to the hotel.
This incident has raised significant concerns about safety at amusement parks. Wes Ramey, Dollywood's public relations director, said: "We will reassess our emergency response procedures to ensure absolute safety for tourists in the future."
By noon on July 29 (local time), the park had returned to normal operations.
Dollywood, with over 2 million visitors each year, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tennessee. This incident not only caused material damage but also affected the park's image and the local tourism industry.
Experts predict that extreme weather conditions will become increasingly complex in the Atlantic. The updated hurricane forecast for the 2024 hurricane season from Colorado State University, USA, predicts a severe season with 25 named storms, including 12 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes.
Therefore, amusement parks, tourist destinations, and tourism management agencies must be more thoroughly prepared to respond to emergency situations. At the same time, tourists should stay updated on weather forecasts, equip themselves with knowledge and skills to ensure safe travel.
