Hillsborough County in Florida has taken swift action by deploying three amphibious vehicles to conduct rescue operations on Thursday morning. The efforts are focused on assisting residents in critical situations, including those at an assisted living facility and a hotel where elderly individuals had sought shelter.
Sheriff Chad Chronister provided insights into the ongoing operations, highlighting the challenges faced by nearly a hundred residents at the assisted living facility located in the northern part of the county. He emphasized that the rescue operation at this facility is expected to be more prolonged due to the number of individuals involved.
Regarding the situation at the hotel, Sheriff Chronister expressed empathy for the affected individuals, noting that they had taken necessary precautions by seeking shelter. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of the flooding, stating that the areas affected had never experienced such levels of inundation before.
Describing the sudden transition from no flooding to water levels reaching three feet, Sheriff Chronister acknowledged the fear and distress experienced by those at the hotel. The rapid onset of flooding presented a challenging and frightening scenario for everyone involved.
The deployment of amphibious vehicles underscores the county's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents during emergencies. The coordinated rescue efforts aim to provide assistance to those in need and mitigate the impact of the flooding in affected areas.