From reading this thread, here's how I summarize a strategy to this type of flood disaster:

1. Listen to the government warning and don't be in the flood.

2. If you're in the flood anyway for whatever reason, have a survival plan.

3. Your carry bag and gear should be flood-appropriate. For example, a backpack is not good for swimming, and too many tools can be too heavy.

...By the way, Art, your post reads like a general argument against keeping any kind of car kit, or maybe I read that wrongly.