September 25, 2024 — 10:54 local time

A tiny black kitten was rescued from the top of a red metal toolbox inside a flooded auto repair garage on the morning of September 25, after muddy floodwater spread across the workshop floor around the vehicle lifts, tires and tools.

Bodycam footage recorded by the rescuer shows the small kitten crouched on the toolbox, its soaked black fur plastered flat and its wide eyes fixed on the camera. Around it, the garage floor had disappeared under brown water, with tires half-submerged, tools hanging above the flood line and rain still falling beyond the large open garage door.

The rescuer, wearing a tan firefighting-style waterproof jacket with reflective stripes, black gloves and flood rescue gear, waded slowly through the knee-deep water and raised both hands gently as he reached the toolbox. The kitten stayed perfectly still, watching every movement, but did not try to run.

Moving carefully so as not to startle it, the rescuer slid both hands beneath the kitten, supporting its small body, and lifted it clear of the metal surface. Water dripped from its wet fur as it was drawn down and held low and secure in both cupped hands, blinking quietly, safely above the flooded floor.

The kitten appeared cold and frightened but unharmed, and was held safely in both hands to be carried out of the flooded garage, where it could be warmed, dried and checked over.