Responders rescue MS flood victims

First responders worked through the night May 11-12 rescuing people in Pearl River County and northern Harrison County (Miss.) after storms dumped more than 10 inches of rain and swelled waterways, according to officials. The National Weather Service in New Orleans said possible rain totals reached as much as 15 inches in some locations in northern Pearl River County. Major flooding was occurring in both Hancock and Harrison counties. One man was clinging to a tree when he was rescued by Harrison fire and rescue personnel after he tried to drive through flood waters and his car was swept off the road. Another man and his 4-year-old were rescued from the roof of their submerged pickup truck. On Friday, a train derailed in Pearl River County after the track was damaged by floodwaters, the Associated Press reported. There were no reported injuries. The Coast Guard rescued two men and three dogs near Poplarville. The Pearl River sheriff’s office reported around 4:30 a.m. the men and dogs that the CG rescued them from a vehicle on a highway overpass. “We faced torrential rain, lightning and low visibility but, thanks to our training, we were able to safely transport the two men and the dogs to safety,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Johannel Mejia, an aviation maintenance technician at CG Air Station New Orleans. The NWS said early May 12 that water levels near creeks and rivers are still rising, particularly Red Creek in Stone and George counties. U.S. 49 remains closed south of Wiggins. (Source: Sun Herald 05/12/19) An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from CG Air Station New Orleans hoisted the two men and dogs and transported them to awaiting emergency medical services at a nearby field in stable condition. (Source: CG)