Ellicott City

[chantal]

Have you all seen it in the news, the flash flood? It's our town, 3 miles from us. We drive through it every day, play, eat, hang out there. The river that carried everything away goes by the bottom of our road, about 2 miles down. We hike and bike that all the time with the dog.

I cannot believe the complete and total destruction of a beautiful historic town, people's livelihoods and life. Over 200 cars were washed away by the floods. 2 people died and they are still looking for a third, so the park is still closed.

The upside, everyone around here wants to help. The outpouring is overwhelming, and people are ready. We simply can't yet. Too dangerous to go in there. But they are organized and have funds set up and online donations for many things.

So many memories washed away in the flood...

[PaulaO]

I saw it on the news. Heartbreaking. What river was it?

[chantal]

I saw it on the news. Heartbreaking. What river was it?

The Patapsco River. Though the water going through the town was from the rain, not from the river. Over 6 inches in one hour did all of this.

[KathyK]

Awful, and so very sad. We are ultimately helpless when nature breaks bad on us.

[PaulaO]

Oh my gosh. Six inches of rain in an hour. My opinion is water is the deadly force. It is so destructive.

[boots-aregard]

Wow. That's scary and so unfortunate for a historic area (I mean, for any area, but the loss of historic buildings is salt in the wound).

Scientists are coalescing about the growing current effects of global warming.

[Wicky]

I am so sorry about the losses. I know someone else who lives there - six miles from downtown. I am glad that you and your family are all OK!

[chantal]

I have a friend at the barn who works/worked at the Pheonix, the bar at the bottom of Main Street across from the iconic Ellicott City clock. It will be at least 2 months, if not more, until it will reopen. She's a bartender and the owner is trying to raise money for his employees so that they will come back. There are so many stories, so many want to help and there's not much we can do as of yet. The food pantry is overflowing, thank goodness. The sign up volunteer is working well and is getting a lot volunteers. It's heartening after all the devastation and horrific stories to see action. At least 6 buildings are condemned she said.

[chantal]

The iconic Ellicott City clock, found in the river. It stands tall once again.

ECclock.jpg (109.03 KiB) Viewed 11014 times

[LeoApp]

Wow. Such destruction.

[texsuze]

So hard to believe. No one is immune from disaster, it seems. We used to live in Towson, MD. The state is so beautiful. Hope things dry out quickly.

[fergusnc]

Many jingles for you, your neighbors,your town, your leaders....I cannot imagine the layers to the pain and loss.

[Rhianon]

Can't say it better than fergusnc.

[chantal]

Thank you everyone, it boggles my mind and hurts my heart. But we will rebuild, and the community is really stepping up.