ZAB FERIL likes to drive his truck in and around Mega Trac's mega-track machines, but this week he took on another mission with the same enthusiasm to rescue flood victims from Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
Ferrell, a 40-year-old construction crane operator, drove his old high-rise truck, Old Hippies, deep into the Texas floodwaters into a group of large-size trucks that came in large numbers to flood-stricken neighborhoods of Port Arthur to transport hundreds of people to Burr Security, according to the French Press Agency.
The trucks are larger and heavier than the boats, but they are hard to maneuver because of their ability to maneuver through flood waters and have formed a strong unit within the army of volunteers who help emergency and relief teams.
"People hug us and some of them try to pay us money, but we never get paid," said Zab, who supplies his truck at a station before returning to the flood zone.
His 3.3-meter-long truck, estimated to cost about $ 500 since the start of the floods, was damaged while 284 liters of fuel were consumed.
"But it is worth the trouble with all the hugs and kisses we meet and when we see the tears of an old man we come to save him."
Many of these trucks, including the Big Red Mad Trak from Fort Worth, Texas, which operated on the same streets as Old Havates, have joined the rescue efforts, with other trucks coming from as far away as Illinois.
The ZAB truck, along with relief boats, moves people who have vital information about the most dangerous cases.
Canadas Sammans, who is involved in this aid operation, asks a man standing in his front garden, "Are you okay?" The man replied that he needed supplies, and Candas gave him a box of mineral water from the roof of the truck, which stood on one side.
Zap, whose tattoos cover his arms, says he has rescued more than 45 people, six dogs and a "very angry kitten" in recent days.
Some parts of Port Arthur were still submerged under 1.5 meters of water in recent days, but Old Havets was able to pass water 2.5 meters high without facing any problem.
Some residents, who have so far refused to leave their homes, climb one after the other on the huge truck tires and sit in the cockpit.
Saving lives
"I did not have a lot of food or water," says Charles as he gets help getting into the truck. After a 15-minute journey, he rejoined his mother, who was thrilled to see Old Babes splash water while Charles sat in the front seat.
"I thank God," he screams as Candace rejects the money Charles gave him. Among those affected by Hurricane Harvey was William Izador, 49, who was rescued by Zab in front of the building he was living in and was flooded.
"Water has come to everything," he says after lying exhausted on the back seat. "They are good people trying to help, they are a real blessing," he says, looking at Zab.
Zab Fierl has tasted the suffering of losing his home. Hurricane Ike badly damaged his home in 2008, recalling generous donations from the neighbors and helping the authorities.
When Hurricane Harvey hit his hometown, he went to help with no hesitation and carried his truck with water and food.
Zap stresses the importance of relief operations after a natural disaster that has killed at least 42 people.
"We are not here to make a pleasant trip, we are trying to save lives, we are doing our best under a terrible situation," he said.