Va. National Guard rescues 34

MEARS, Va. (WAVY) -  

Seven adults and one child were brought to safety by Virginia National Guard Soldiers after high water trapped them Tuesday.

According to the Virginia National Guard, troopers with the Virginia State Police asked the soldiers to check on two locations they were unable to reach on Cattail Road in the Mears area. At the first location, soldiers were forced to cut through trees in order to reach the home where a family of five, including a small child, was trapped.

Photos: Va. National Guard rescue

Soldiers then had to cut through trees as they traveled through two miles of high water in order to reach the second home. Unable to reach the house by vehicle, soldiers used the family’s boat to rescue two people from the home.

The Guard said both groups were taken to family members whose homes were not threatened by high water.

"I was very pleased to see our Soldiers cautiously working their way through high water and being mindful of downed power lines, but also aggressively and safely clearing a path to rescue these citizens in need," said Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Green, senior enlisted leader of the Virginia National Guard. "The training these Soldiers have received over the years paid off today." Green had been visiting the Soldiers and joined them on the mission.

Six soldiers also rescued five people Sunday, including a woman who was unable to walk. One soldier carried her on his back for more than 200 yards through chest-deep water.

Throughout the mission, 34 people and six firefighters were transported by soldiers.