Flood-hit Milton family relieved to find new home

Shavaughn Wyber, her partner Aaron Rhodes and their baby Addison-Jay Rhodes have found a new home to rent after escaping the recent floods in Milton. Photo: Samuel White

A family who escaped the deluge in Milton last month are safely in a new home with their 6-week-old child.

Milton residents Shavaughn Wyber, Aaron Rhodes and their baby Addison-Jay Rhodes awoke in the middle of the night to discover their rental house in Ajax St had been completely flooded.

Ms Wyber, who had originally awoken to feed Addison-Jay, first noticed something was wrong when she heard electricity ''crackling'' from a floor plug.

She woke her partner, Mr Rhodes, who found himself staring at his reflection in floodwater.

The family escaped their house as quickly as they could in the darkness to go to Ms Wyber's parents' house.

The water was only a couple of centimetres deep inside but was right through the house and much deeper outside, Ms Wyber said.

Their car was written-off.

''It was only four or five blocks but that seems so far when you've got a baby and it's raining ... and it was pitch black.''

The pair called emergency services for help and were taken to Ms Wyber's parents house a few blocks away.

Mr Rhodes returned to the house later that night to rescue their dog, who was treading water.

''He was so lucky when he got back to him when he did.''

The pair had since found new accommodation but had to rehome the dog as they were not allowed pets.

The couple moved into their new rental property on July 24.

Ms Wyber was grateful.

''One of the scariest things was thinking that we wouldn't have a home for four to six weeks.''

It had been ''a bit hectic'' over the past week.

''One of the most disheartening things was walking back through the house.''

Anything on the ground and some sentimental items had been ruined.

Ms Wyber said they had received a lot of support from the community.

Some people had bought them groceries and donated items for their new home.

Ms Wyber was quick to count her blessings as others had it a lot worse.

- Otago Daily Times