Several neighborhoods in northern Miami-Dade County remain submerged under more than a foot of water, days after severe storms hit southern Florida. The floods have trapped some residents in the northeast area inside their homes, prompting the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue teams to step in for evacuations, reported Local 10 News.
"The water doesn't recede much, especially inside the house," said Lidie Thurc, who lives near the 1100 block of 144th Street in northeast Miami-Dade. "We still have a lot of water inside. I can't leave because the water outside is higher than inside," she told the media outlet.
Thurc recounted the harrowing experience since the torrential rains began, revealing how parts of her home and community were submerged, forcing her to seek help. She, along with her two young children, her mother, and her husband, were rescued by emergency teams this Friday, even as some showers continued to be reported.
While Thurc's family sought refuge in a dry place, her neighbors struggled to navigate the flooded streets on foot or by vehicle. Residents are hoping county workers will soon help alleviate the flooding so they can begin cleanup and salvage what they can.
The Miami-Dade Fire Department has been actively assisting the community, deploying high-clearance trucks to provide aid to those in need. Additionally, animal rescuers have sought help to relocate dozens of cats rescued from the floods. Many have drowned, they lamented.
In images shared by Telemundo 51, streets remain waterlogged, hindering the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Nonetheless, some people can be seen wading through the water to fetch necessary supplies.
Other stories have been collected by Local 10, who interviewed residents of Fort Lauderdale affected by the heavy rains. Residents in southern Florida were warned on Thursday that more intense rains are expected in the coming days due to a tropical disturbance that has caused major flash floods.
Fortunately, the disturbance has not reached cyclone status and only has a slight chance of becoming a tropical system as it moves into the Atlantic Ocean after crossing Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Impact of Flooding in Northern Miami-Dade
Given the severity of the flooding in northern Miami-Dade, residents are facing numerous challenges. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the current situation.
What areas of Miami-Dade are most affected by the flooding?
The neighborhoods in the northeast part of Miami-Dade County are the most affected, with streets and homes submerged under more than a foot of water.
How are rescue teams assisting the residents?
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue teams are actively evacuating trapped residents using high-clearance trucks and providing necessary aid to those in need.
What is the current weather forecast for southern Florida?
Southern Florida is expected to experience more heavy rains in the coming days due to a tropical disturbance, although it has not yet reached cyclone status.