On Sunday May 27, 2018, Ellicott City, Md, was subject to another major rain event, receiving more than 8 in. of rainfall throughout the event. The high volume of rain has led to significant flash flooding throughout the city, which saw a similar rainfall event as recent as 2016.
The flooding event in 2016 proved deadly, but Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman claims that the 2018 flooding event is much nastier. The city’s Main Street is completely inundated with flood waters, leading to a large 25- to 30-ft hole just north of the street as the weight of the flooding likely forced the street to give way.
“There are a lot of people whose lives are going to be devastated again, and they’ve been working so hard to come back,” Kittleman said. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through. I couldn’t imagine what they went through two years ago, and now it’s even worse.”
300 rescues were conducted on Monday alone by emergency responders, 30 of which involving water rescue. Sgt. Eddison Hermond of the Maryland Army National Guard remains missing as teams continue their search. According to police Chief Gary Gardner, the individuals with Hermond saw him go under the flood waters and not surface.
The conditions have also led to the bursting of a water main, and the flooding also washed out a sewer line. The main areas along the stretch of road most affected have had their gas and electricity shut off, with Baltimore Gas & Electric claiming that it will have to assess any infrastructure damage before it can properly provide a timeline for service restoration.
The 2016 flooding incident saw two lives claimed, as well as the destruction or severe damage to over 24 different buildings. This was due to a 6-in. rainfall event, 2 in. less than what is currently being experienced, and many affected by the previous event were still very much in the throes of recovery. The city may also experience another inch of rainfall to further exacerbate pre-existing problems.
