A 15-year-old boy helped save his neighbor from floodwaters that heavily damaged her home along a stream in Wai'anae.

At about 7 a.m., Maile Vega, of 86-603 Puuhulu Road, her five children and a family friend said they noticed floodwaters coming into their home and Christmas presents floating away.

They knew they had to get out of the home, Vega said. As they ran outside, her oldest child, 15-year-old Matthew, noticed a neighbor from the home behind theirs had fallen into the water and couldn't get up.

Linda Limpahan, 62, said "I knew I wouldn't make it. My legs were having spasms."

The teenager pulled her out of the water, and was later assisted by others.

"He saved my life," said Limpahan, who escaped with her 11-year-old daughter Malia Namanuu.

Both families, along with two dogs, fled in Vega's pickup truck and headed to the Wai'anae police substation for help. Once there, police helped them to dry off and contacted the Red Cross for further assistance.

The family planned to return to the homes to assess the damage and see what can be salvaged.

They said a family friend reported Vega's home was still standing but in bad shape, and Limpahan's home was heavily damaged.