The anniversary of the devastating and deadly floods in Ellicott City. A year later it's a story of a comeback.
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewart草莓传媒)
Anniversary of devastating flood in Ellicott City. Unveiling of town's iconic clock today.
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewart草莓传媒)
Unveiling of Ellicott City's new clock on this the one year anniversary of the deadly floods. A big step in the city's healing process.
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewart草莓传媒)
WASHINGTON 鈥� A year ago, massive amounts of rain that came down in a short period of time caused devastating flooding in the historic town of Ellicott City, Maryland. Some six inches of rain came down in two hours.
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The flash flooding on July 30 killed two people, swept away cars and demolished many businesses along the town鈥檚 Main Street. Sadly, a third person was killed during the cleanup. The floods also destroyed homes in the town鈥檚 west end.
Kittleman says the one year anniversary is bittersweet. Ninety three percent of the businesses have reopened despite experts saying that it couldn鈥檛 be done, he says.
As the anniversary approaches in Ellicott City, the three victims of the flood are heavy on people鈥檚 minds: Jessica Watsula, Joseph Anthony Blevins and John Pacylowski.
Before Saturday’s ceremony, Kittleman said it was going to be a difficult and emotional day, remembering and honoring the three victims. One was a longtime business owner in Ellicott City.
Kittleman says the ceremony would be solemn in many ways.
鈥淭here are some people who鈥檝e been a big part of this recovery who aren鈥檛 going to be there. And they鈥檙e not coming because they say it鈥檚 just too hard,鈥� said Kittleman. 鈥淎nd I really respect that.鈥�
The unveiling and dedication of the new clock on Main Street on Saturday is a big step in the town鈥檚 healing process, says Kittleman. The old clock was an iconic fixture on Main Street until it was swept away in last year鈥檚 raging waters.
Many people have thanked Kittleman, but he says he didn鈥檛 do anything. He says what he sees as amazing is the resilient and unbreakable spirit of the business owners who kept pushing forward. He鈥檚 also grateful for the thousands of volunteers who stepped up to help when they were needed the most.
鈥淓llicott City is back but it鈥檚 important for us not to forget the two individuals that we lost the night of the flood. And we tragically lost John Pacylowski one of our business owners.鈥�
