LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Rising floodwaters in Louisville have forced first responders into action, conducting several water rescues over the last few days as the Ohio River continues to swell.
WDRB’s Christie Battista was on scene Monday afternoon at the Interstate 71 entrance ramp from Zorn Avenue, where the situation escalated in a matter of minutes.
“This ramp was open at 2:30,” Battista reported. “By 3:00, it was closed. That gives you an idea of just how fast this water is rising.”
Flooding has overwhelmed parts of the city, trapping residents and visitors alike. Among the hardest hit: the Candlewood Suites near Zorn Avenue and River Road, where 61 people had to be evacuated after being surrounded by water.
“The power company's gonna shut off the power, so we had to evacuate,” one guest said. “There's no danger of that hotel flooding, but if they shut the power off, we're doomed.”
Firefighters used heavy equipment, including a loader, to haul luggage out as guests were taken to safety. Among those rescued were nearly a dozen workers who had been in the area working on water mains.
“Our trucks and most of our stuff is stranded,” one worker said. “We’ll do the best we can for the next two or three days.”
Louisville Fire Captain Michael Renn said the department is ready for a wide range of rescues.
"It could be as easy as getting somebody out of their car underneath a viaduct that's flooded," Renn said. "It could be flooded roadway or assisting people from their apartments, hotels and things like that. The water levels had been expected to rise, however, sometimes it catches people a little bit off guard."
With nearly 20 rescue boats on standby, the Louisville Fire Department is prepared to respond wherever needed. They're not alone—FEMA, the National Guard, and the LMPD dive team are also responding, including assisting in nearby counties.
“We sent a dive and rescue team from LMPD to Bullitt County,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “We helped when the Bullitt County jail flooded. We’ve been helping their inmates and housing them in our gymnasium at the corrections facility here.”
As the Ohio River continues to rise toward its crest, officials are urging the public to stay alert and follow a simple but lifesaving rule: Turn around, don’t drown.
“I’m glad somebody came and got us out of there,” said one grateful evacuee.
More Flooding Coverage:
West Point residents riding out Ohio River flooding put preparations to the test
Bullitt County flooding worst since 1997 as Salt River crests near 37 feet
IMAGES | Aerial photos of rising floodwaters in Kentucky, southern Indiana
Ohio River flooding forces evacuations in Utica, Indiana
Flooding Blog | Real-time updates as floodwaters cover part of Kentucky, southern Indiana
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