Kenner family rescues grandmother during Hurricane Francine flooding
- Brenda Harris and her family faced rising floodwaters during Hurricane Francine, reaching up to her hip.
- They creatively used mats to float her wheelchair-bound mother to safety at a neighbor's home on higher ground.
- The incident underscores the resilience of families during disasters and the need for improved disaster response.
During Hurricane Francine, Brenda Harris faced a critical situation as floodwaters rose around her home in Kenner, reaching up to her hip. With her 81-year-old mother confined to a wheelchair, Harris and her family had to devise a creative solution to evacuate her. They utilized mats to float her mother to a neighbor's house situated on higher ground, showcasing the family's resourcefulness in a dire situation. The neighborhood of Lincoln Manor, where Harris resides, was surrounded by Canal No. 12 and Canal No. 13, leading to significant flooding that forced many residents to seek refuge elsewhere. As the community grappled with the aftermath of the storm, frustrations grew among residents like Robinson, who expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of timely assistance and communication from local authorities. FEMA aid has been limited, extending only to eight parishes, leaving many in Kenner without the necessary support. Community leaders are urging local and federal officials to take action to address the needs of those affected by the flooding. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng remains optimistic that Kenner will be included in the disaster area list, as most of the structures that flooded are located there. The situation highlights the challenges faced by residents during natural disasters, particularly those with mobility issues. The Kenner family's quick thinking and determination to rescue their loved one exemplify the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity, while also shedding light on the broader issues of disaster response and community support.