Neighbors helping neighbors, pets brought to dry ground as rescues continue

HOUSTON – There are many remarkable stories about high water rescues across the Houston area as the National Guard, local first responders and neighbors joined in to help get everyone out of harm's way and on higher ground.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and major highways were closed after the rains that started Sunday overwhelmed Houston's bayous.

Rescuers in airboats went house to house to help residents trapped in Cypress Creek neighborhoods.  After rescuing about 20 people Wednesday morning, crews went back for additional sweeps to rescue pets.

For those who said they would brave the conditions and wait for the water to lower, rescuers delivered bags of groceries.

One husband and wife told KPRC's Phil Archer that they decided to leave their home after the electricity went out.

"We lost power around 11 o'clock last night and we can't do anything so we decided to leave and we're going to stay with friends," the husband said.

The man said his home went underwater once during Tropical Storm Allison and this time, he feels lucky.

In northwest Harris County, a cooped up Bull Mastiff was excited about finally getting his freedom. He dragged his owner as he enjoyed the fresh air and ran among the neighbors and first responders.

The dog's owner said water came up into her home and has been around for three days. She decided it was time to pack up and leave.

"As long as the kids are safe, we're fine," she said.

In north Harris County, an area resident was brought to tears Wednesday as she described the flood damage to KPRC's Ryan Korsgard. 

"The water is up over your head," the resident said. "Everything is surrounded by water — it's all covered. If (emergency crews) didn't come and rescue you, you're going to have to get out. You're going to have to swim. It's devastating."

The woman said while her apartment is dry, all vehicles in the complex's parking lot are submerged in water. She said she decided to evacuate her residence after being notified about plans to cut the power. However, her biggest concern — after losing her car — was getting to her home in Louisiana.

The woman's situation took a positive turn only moments after Korgard spoke with her on air. A KPRC viewer said she recognized the woman as a former co-worker. The viewer reached out to Channel 2 and was able to give the woman a place to stay in the meantime.

In Kingwood, Channel 2's Joel Eisenbaum spoke with several residents living near Hamblen and Forest Cove at the west fork of the San Jacinto River, which continues to steadily rise above normal water levels.

Kingwood authorities are using several vehicles including multiple boats and a dump truck to rescue flood victims. 

Connie has lived in the area since the 1990s and made plans to stay in her townhome, but plans changed when she realized her medication could run out before the flooding subsided.

"These townhomes were built to flood," she said. "The downstairs is actually taller than regular townhomes (and) the living quarters don't start until the second or third floor."

She and her dog, Lucky, hitched a ride with firefighters when the rescue arrived. Connie said she had to walk through about 4 feet of water — up to her chest — to reach firefighters from her apartment.

Although heavy flooding is common in the area, she said Wednesday was the second time she was forced to rely on emergency boats. 

"Even Allison wasn't this bad," Connie said.

These stories are the lucky ones. As of Wednesday morning, authorities said eight people had lost their lives.

Six people in Harris County are confirmed dead, one person in Waller County and one person in Austin County.

A woman was driving home from work when she drove into high water on Plum Creek Road and was killed, the Austin County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. Firefighters tried to rescue her, but the water was too deep and fast moving. Crews on a rescue boat later found her body.

Teri Rodriguez, a mother of three children, drowned after she drove her vehicle into a drainage ditch at 1807 Briar Creek Boulevard.  

Pedro Morales, a 60-year-old big rig driver, died in the storms when his 18-wheeler was submerged on Sam Houston Parkway.

Charles Odum, a school teacher, beloved at his school, died inside his car after it was submerged in deep waters in Waller County.

Odum taught seventh-graders at Royal Junior High and will be missed by his students.

Sunita Singh, a wife and mother of two children, died in the flooding when she drove her car into dangerous waters at the 610 Loop Interchange at Westpark.

Suresh Talluri was found dead in the same area as Singh. He leaves behind a wife and two elementary-age children.

German Antonio Franco, 66, was found in his car submerged in water on Imperial Valley Drive in Spring. Franco was a father of three.

The body of Houston Community College student Claudia Melgar, 26, was found inside her Dodge SUV near the Westpark Tollway and South Post Oak Blvd.

The families of two victims, Rodriguez and Talluri, have set up GoFundMe accounts to help pay for expenses related to their deaths.