A Kiwi family in Houston has been left homeless after floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey devastated their home.
They were evacuated by boat in the middle of the night after pleading for help on Facebook.
At 2am on Wednesday, Blad Guzman, his elderly parents, wife Lina and three children were forced to flee with just their passports and a change of clothes.
The Guzman family lived in their Canyon Gate home for six years, having left New Zealand following the Christchurch earthquakes.
Their home is expected to be underwater for over a month and it is unlikely their belongings will be salvageable once floodwaters recede.
Fellow Kiwi and family friend Fleur Wiig has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family replace their possessions and repair their home or, if it comes to it, help pay for a new house, as flood damage is not covered by their insurance policy.
"They are naturally traumatised and trying to make sense of their newfound situation," Ms Wiig wrote.
"If anyone has considered donating to the dire situation in Houston, but want to make a personal contribution, then please know these sweet people are in very genuine need."
Over NZ$16,000 has been raised so far, with the goal of around NZ$42,000.
Newshub.
