ATLANTA — A water rescue is underway at a Buckhead apartment complex after residents were stuck inside their homes with several feet of standing water following heavy amounts of rain from Hurricane Helene.
Atlanta Fire Rescue firefighters have been floating on rafts through the parking lot of the Peachtree Park Apartments, rescuing people from their residences.
Fire crews have made multiple rescues so far, as 11Alive's Rarione Maniece described three family members being rescued in one attempt, another family of three—a mom, a dad and a young girl pulled into a raft—and another couple also rescued by firefighters.
Several residents have walked from the back portion of the apartment complex to try and move their cars to salvage what they can. Other residents have been walking through the complex, knocking on doors to tell their neighbors to get out why they can.
One resident told 11Alive he got home from the grocery store around 11:35 p.m., and within an hour, he saw the water rise to his car. He also said there is a river behind the apartment complex, which could contribute to where much of the water comes from due to the heavy rains.
Since fire crews arrived, there have been at least four water rescues at the complex. Firefighters said they had been experiencing a current in the water, so they had to get a boat with a motor to retrieve residents. Families have been seen walking out with electronics, important documents and TVs on air mattresses to keep their important belongings as dry as possible.
Fire crews said the residents aren't in immediate danger, but they are working to reach each affected unit and rescue them to dry land.