Heroic Rescue: Single Mom and Four Children Saved from Floodwaters by News Crew

In a harrowing tale of survival, a single mother and her four children were rescued from rising floodwaters caused by Hurricane Milton in Lakeland, Florida. The family's ordeal, which spanned from Wednesday evening to the early hours of Thursday morning, was captured by a local news crew, who played a crucial role in their dramatic rescue.

Weathering the Storm: A Family's Struggle for Survival

Trapped in the Flood

Amber Henry and her four children, ages 4, 5, 9, and 10, found themselves trapped in their home as the floodwaters from Hurricane Milton began to rise. From 9 PM on Wednesday, October 9th, to 5 AM the following morning, the family was stranded, with the water level steadily increasing around them. Despite repeatedly calling 911, Henry was informed that emergency responders were unable to reach them due to the hazardous conditions.

A Desperate Situation

As the water seeped into their home, Henry tried to scoop it out and pour it down the drain, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control. "The house literally ate us up with water," she recalled, as the sound of the transformer going off added to their growing sense of dread. Fearing electrocution, the single mother also worried that she and her children could "drown to death."

A Glimmer of Hope

As the family sought refuge on the kitchen counter and oven, Henry's eldest daughter, who would soon turn 11, expressed her fear, saying, "'Mom, I don't want to die for my birthday.'" In the midst of this harrowing ordeal, Henry spotted a WFLA news crew outside and called out for help. Journalist Beth Rousseau heard her cries and immediately sprang into action, determined to rescue the family.

A Dramatic Rescue

With the water reaching Henry's waist, the family had to abandon their home and seek shelter in a neighbor's unoccupied residence. Though the neighbor's home was also flooded, the water only reached Henry's knees, providing a temporary respite. It was during this time that the WFLA news crew arrived, and Rousseau heard Henry's desperate pleas for assistance.

A Lifeline in the Darkness

"I don't know what made me open up that window, but I am so glad I did. Because they could have finished that story and packed up and left," Henry told CNN. Moments later, a man in a Jeep arrived, using his headlights to illuminate a path to safety for the family. With the news crew's help, the family of five was able to make their way to higher ground and seek shelter.

A New Beginning

The ordeal has left the family in a precarious position, with Henry revealing that they are now homeless, and her car is submerged underwater. "I have nothing," she said, having lost important documents like social security numbers and birth certificates. Despite the challenges, Henry has found strength and courage in the face of adversity, determined to rebuild her life and start anew.