Woman Rescued from Floodwaters Thanks to Drone Operator

A woman was rescued from rising floodwaters in Willis, Texas, on Thursday morning after a drone operator spotted her stranded vehicle and alerted authorities. The incident reportedly occurred at the intersection of Rockrose Ranch and Calvary Road, where heavy rainfall had caused significant flooding.

Drone Operator’s Quick Thinking Saves the Day

Omar Arreola, the drone operator who played a crucial role in the rescue, was on his way to work when he encountered a closed road due to the flooding. He decided to stop at a nearby gas station, where he witnessed another driver attempting to navigate through the high waters.

Concerned for the driver’s safety, Arreola launched his drone to survey the area. To his surprise, he spotted the same driver waving for help from their stranded vehicle. Without hesitation, Arreola called 911 and provided the dispatchers with the necessary information to initiate a rescue operation.

Lengthy Rescue Effort

Arreola remained on the phone with dispatchers for approximately 40 minutes, guiding them to the stranded woman’s location. Due to the challenging conditions caused by the floodwaters, rescue crews faced difficulties reaching the vehicle.

However, thanks to Arreola’s persistent communication and the drone footage he provided, rescuers were eventually able to locate and extract the woman from her car, bringing her to safety.

Dangers of Driving Through Flooded Roads

Local leaders have taken this opportunity to remind residents about the hazards of attempting to drive through flooded roads. Even seemingly shallow water can pose significant risks, as it may be difficult to gauge the depth and current of the floodwaters.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution and seek alternative routes when encountering flooded areas to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The successful rescue of the stranded woman in Willis, Texas, highlights the potential for drones to play a vital role in emergency situations. Omar Arreola’s quick thinking and skilled operation of his drone were instrumental in ensuring the woman’s safety.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding warnings about flooded roads and the value of community members looking out for one another during times of crisis.

Photo courtesy of Omar Arreola.