NEWPORT, Tenn. (WVLT) - Duke Energy, which operates the Waterville Dam, has responded to claims from Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis that he was unable to get information as Helene flooded much of East Tennessee.

Duke Energy Spokesperson Ben Williamson said in a statement the energy company followed protocol outlined in an Emergency Action Plan that included staffing phone lines 24/7.

Previous Coverage: ‘You assume the worst’ | False report that Walters Dam had broken saved lives during Helene, Cocke County mayor says

Duke operates the dam, which is also known as Walters Dam, just past the border into North Carolina. On Sept. 27 last year, Helene’s flooding poured over the dam, and water moved down the Pigeon River into the Newport area.

In an interview with WVLT, Mathis said he got a

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