A 2-year-old Indiana girl is returning home after surviving the floodwaters that swamped her family's house, thanks in part to her 13-year-old brother, who stayed on the phone with 911 while helping guide CPR.
As IndyStar reported, her recovery has brought immense relief, but her family is still facing steep medical and housing costs in the aftermath.
Here's what to know
Historic rainfall in Indiana in mid-August saw Eastern areas of the state experience "multiple months' worth" of rain in a single week, according to CNN.
First responders were unable to reach the Rush County house until a neighboring farmer brought in a tractor because rising water blocked the way. Alayna Lathery was rescued from the flooded home at about 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, the family told IndyStar.
Poshia Slusher, Alayna's aunt, said that Alayna's mother was performing CPR during the emergency as the girl's 13-year-old brother stayed connected to 911 dispatchers. The publication reported that Alayna was then flown to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital in Indianapolis and placed on a ventilator.
What Slusher called a "phenomenal" recovery allowed Alayna to breathe on her own, and doctors cleared her to begin outpatient therapy on Aug. 21, IndyStar reported.
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"She's just miraculous," Slusher remarked to the paper. "It's amazing the progress that she has made."
The family could not yet go back to the house, Slusher said, because it was still unsafe after the flood, so they were staying in a hotel while the property was cleaned up.
More background
Flooding can trap families in their homes, delay first responders, contaminate living spaces, and leave households with major medical and repair bills long after the immediate danger has passed.
Beyond the physical damage from the storm, the family is also trying to absorb the cost of emergency medical care, IndyStar reported. Slusher added Alayna's father is the household's only provider, adding pressure as the family pays for temporary lodging, hospital-related expenses, and other fallout from the flood.
By Aug. 25, a GoFundMe started by Slusher had received more than $25,400 from about 270 donors. The money is intended to help with emergency air transport, hospital care, and other essentials, per the posting.
That support has heartened Slusher.
"It's funny how people come together, strangers that don't even know you, especially when children are involved," Slusher reacted to IndyStar. "They just step up."
What can be done?
Slusher noted to the paper the experience changed how she thinks about water safety, and she is already taking practical steps at home. She said her grandchildren are taking swim lessons and that fencing is being installed around the pond on her property.
Those kinds of protections cannot prevent every emergency, but they can reduce the risk for young children, who can get into danger around water in only moments.
Flood planning is also critical, especially in places vulnerable to flash flooding. Knowing evacuation routes, keeping phones charged, and making sure children know how to call 911 can make a difference when roads are blocked and help is delayed.
At the community level, the rescue showed the value of neighbors with equipment, local first responders, and dispatchers who can coach lifesaving actions in real time.
"It could happen to anybody," Slusher told the IndyStar.
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