Couple Thought They Were ‘Going to Die’ When Home Was Swept Away by Floodwaters While They Were Still Inside

A couple from Tennessee has shared their harrowing experience of being trapped in their mobile home as devastating floodwaters swept through their community. Tanya Barrios and Steven Bohn, residents of Cocke County, found themselves facing a life-threatening situation on the morning of May 28.

The couple were asleep when they were jolted awake by a loud noise beneath their home. Initially, Barrios believed that the sound was caused by rodents, but she soon realised it was the sound of rushing water. The floodwaters quickly escalated, prompting them to call emergency services as their vehicle was swept away, leaving them stranded.

As the situation worsened, their mobile home was lifted off its foundation by the surging waters. “We really thought we were going to die,” the pair recounted. Before long, they were standing in chest-deep water inside their home, with the flood pushing their residence toward a nearby creek. Luckily, several trees prevented the mobile home from capsizing completely.

Amidst this chaos, Barrios and Bohn were not alone; they had their pets with them. Barrios managed to keep their cats secure in their carriers, while their dogs sought refuge on chairs, struggling to stay dry in the rapidly rising floodwaters. “I was the scared-est I’ve ever been in my life,” Barrios revealed, capturing the sheer terror of the moment.

Rescue teams arrived just in time. As the water continued to rush around them, the rescuers broke a window to provide the couple and their pets with a means of escape. While they were relieved to be saved, the couple faced a devastating reality in the aftermath of the flood — they had lost everything they owned.

Now, Barrios and Bohn are searching for temporary accommodation that will allow them to keep their beloved pets. Despite their tragic loss, the couple has expressed profound gratitude for their survival. “I can’t explain it — just blessed, I mean that’s the only word,” said Barrios. Their ordeal has brought them a renewed sense of faith and appreciation for life. “God had his hand on us, for sure,” she added.

The couple’s experience highlights the harsh realities faced by many during such natural disasters, where lives can change in an instant. Their story serves as a reminder of the power of nature, as well as the resilience of the human spirit in the face of dire circumstances.

In the wake of the flooding, community support and relief efforts have begun to mobilise for those affected. As families like Barrios and Bohn look for help, local organisations and volunteers are joining forces to provide aid and assistance.

Barrios and Bohn’s situation is just one of many that have arisen from the flooding, prompting widespread discussions on emergency preparedness and response strategies for similar future incidents. As they seek to rebuild their lives, their story resonates with others who have faced the same kind of devastation, highlighting the importance of hope and solidarity in recovery.

While the couple mourns their losses, they are determined to move forward, channeling their experiences into messages of faith and gratitude. Their story stands as a testament to the strength of those who endure such life-altering events, and the hope that can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.