Helicopter lifts man and dog from roof during flood rescue

A couple’s dog was strapped into a harness and lifted from a Sedona roof with its owner. Floodwaters trapped Alexander Dale and his wife on the roof of their home, along with about nine of their guests, for three hours before a helicopter rescued them. Officials ordered residents near Oak Creek to leave immediately as floodwaters trapped multiple people in their homes. The couple used three harnesses from home to secure their dog and lift him out together. The drenching rains had largely subsided by Sunday afternoon, but no injuries or deaths were immediately reported.

The floodwaters rose rapidly, forcing residents from their homes in several Arizona communities. Dale, his wife, and their guests climbed onto the roof of the home, unsure of what to do next. A helicopter arrived with a huge rope, and the couple questioned whether the dog could be taken. They used the harnesses they had at home to secure the dog and were lifted out together. By Sunday afternoon, the rains had largely stopped, but no injuries or deaths were immediately reported.

Cindy Wilmer, a schoolteacher, evacuated with very little, fearing her house might be a total loss. Fernando Leon also evacuated, saying he had to leave all his things behind. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said state air rescue crews were also assisting with rooftop evacuations, and state transportation crews were helping clear debris. The couple’s dog was strapped into a harness and lifted from a Sedona roof with its owner.

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