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Jacksonville Actively Rescuing Residents Trapped Inside

Facebook - Haiylee Renae

The city of Jacksonville's water rescue team is pulling trapped residents from their flooded homes or businesses. 

As of 8:30 a.m., rescuers were evacuating people from the Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, at 225 White St., and moving them to the Carolina Rivers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, at 1839 Onslow Dr., said Glenn Hargett, the city's spokesperson.

"Earlier in the day, they moved 60 people within the Premier Nursing Home to a better location within that because it had become compromised with rain flooding that was in that area," Hargett said.

So far, water rescue crews have pulled 24 people from their homes, Hargett said. 

"Twenty of those came from an area off West Francis Street, it was an apartment complex. They were trapped in there and were removed and taken to a different location." Hargett said. 

Another four people were rescued from their homes on Julia Court and Valencia Drive, Hargett said. An additional four people were rescued by boat from their automobiles, bringing the total number of water rescues to almost 30 people, Hargett said. 

Officials aren't sure how many more they will rescue throughout the morning, he said. 

"That number is yet to be determined. We have a lot of roads that are impassable. We have power lines down. It's just not safe for people to be out right now. And then the issue with rising water in some areas. We're also having problems getting to people, as a result of that," Hargett said. 

Officials are urging residents to call 9-1-1 if they're in danger. 

The city is seeking a few more flat-bottom jon boats for rescue crews. If anyone has one available, they're urged to call 910-938-5200 or 910-358-5884.